Sweet Cherry Bread

Bright, sweet, and bursting with charm, this Sweet Cherry Bread is a nostalgic treat that brings a pop of color and flavor to any table. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cheerful afternoon snack, this moist quick bread combines the delicate almond notes of maraschino cherries with a soft, buttery crumb. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a slice of something sweet with your coffee, this recipe is simple to make and sure to impress. One bite, and you’ll be transported to a sweeter time—no fancy ingredients, just classic comfort in every slice.

To make a loaf of this Sweet Cherry Bread, you will need the following –

For the Bread –

3/4 C Sugar
1/2 C 2% Milk
1/2 C Canola Oil
1 Egg
2 tsp Almond Extract
2 C All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 jars Maraschino Cherries (20 ounces total)

For the Glaze –

1 C Powdered Sugar
1 Tbsp Butter, melted
2 Tbsp Maraschino Cherry Juice
1/2 tsp Almond Extract

Additional items you will need –

Loaf Pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Toothpicks
Cooking Spray
Wire Rack

First, move your oven rack to the middle position in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Prep your loaf pan by either spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it with Crisco and dusting it with flour. Either one will work.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until there are no lumps.

Drain the maraschino cherries. Set the juice aside. You can either chop the cherries if you would like smaller cherry pieces or leave them whole. I prefer to leave them whole.

Gently fold in the cherries into your bread batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. You will know your sweet cherry bread is done when you can insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf and it comes out clean.

Once the Sweet Cherry Bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes.

Remove the Sweet Cherry Bread from the loaf pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

Once the bread is cooled, it is time to make the glaze.

In a small bowl or I like ot use a glass measuring cup, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, cherry juice and almond extract. Stir until there are no lumps. Then pour over the top of your sweet cherry bread. The glaze will spread so I like to pour it on the top and let it spread to the sides.

Enjoy!

To store the Sweet Cherry Bread, you can either use an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It is fine to store at room temperature. You can also freeze this bread and enjoy later.

Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or sneaking a slice for yourself, this Sweet Cherry Bread is a little celebration in every bite. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and irresistible sweetness, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Serve it warm, toast it with a bit of butter, or enjoy it as-is—it’s delightful no matter how you slice it. Happy baking!