Moist & Flavorful Cherry Quick Bread

This homemade cherry bread is a delightful quick bread that balances sweetness with a burst of juicy cherries in every bite.

Made with wholesome ingredients, it offers a good mix of protein from eggs, fiber from cherries, and healthier fats from butter, making it more than just a treat.

It’s simple to prepare, versatile for breakfast or snacking, and an excellent choice for everyday baking or meal prep.

Moist & Flavorful Cherry Quick Bread

Kathleen R. Coffey
A soft, moist cherry bread topped with a buttery crumb for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Easy to make with fresh, frozen, or even dried cherries, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk or Fork
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 1 9-inch loaf pan (greased and floured)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup cold butter cut into small cubes
  • ¾ cup milk 2% recommended
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 cups cherries pitted and halved

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.
    While the oven warms, grease a 9-inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust it lightly with flour.
    This step ensures your bread releases easily once baked, keeping its shape and crumb topping intact.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ cups of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together thoroughly.
    This evenly distributes the baking powder and salt while aerating the flour, which helps your bread rise properly and have a uniform texture.
  • Incorporate the Butter into the Flour: Add the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    This process is crucial because the little pockets of butter will melt during baking, creating a tender and soft crumb.
    At this stage, measure out about ¾ cup of this crumbly mixture and set it aside in a small bowl—this will later be your delicious crumb topping.
  • Blend the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
    Whisking helps to break down the eggs and ensures the vanilla is evenly distributed, giving your bread a pleasant flavor throughout.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the whisked wet ingredients into the large bowl with the flour and butter mixture.
    Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together.
    The batter should come together but remain slightly lumpy—avoid overmixing, as this can develop excess gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher bread.
    The key here is a light hand for a soft, tender loaf.
  • Prepare and Fold in the Cherries: Before adding the cherries, lightly toss them with 1–2 teaspoons of flour in a small bowl.
    This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.
    Carefully fold 1–2 cups of pitted, halved cherries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without over-stirring.
    You should see the beautiful red specks of cherries throughout the mixture.
  • Transfer Batter and Add Crumb Topping: Spoon the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure a flat surface.
    Take the reserved crumb mixture from earlier and sprinkle it generously over the top of the batter.
    This topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
  • Bake the Cherry Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes.
    To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
    If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes baking.
  • Cool the Bread Properly: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool inside the loaf pan for 10–15 minutes.
    This helps the structure set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
    After this resting time, carefully lift the bread from the pan and place it on a wire cooling rack.
    Let it cool completely before slicing, as cutting too soon can cause the loaf to crumble.
  • Slice, Serve, and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cherry bread with a sharp serrated knife.
    Each slice will reveal a tender, moist crumb studded with juicy cherries and topped with a buttery crumble.
    Serve it plain with a cup of tea or coffee, spread with butter, or enjoy as a sweet snack or dessert.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet cherries if they’re in season. Tart varieties work too, but you may want to slightly increase the sugar.
  • Tossing cherries with flour keeps them from sinking and ensures even distribution in the loaf.
  • Do not overmix the batter—this is a quick bread, and too much mixing can make it dense.
  • If using frozen cherries, thaw, drain, and pat them dry before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
  • The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, but you can skip it for a lighter version.

Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Bread

The secret to bakery-style cherry bread lies in handling the ingredients with care.

Always use cold butter when mixing into the flour—it creates tiny pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a tender crumb.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing once the wet ingredients are added; a gentle folding motion is enough to bring the batter together.

If you’re using fresh cherries, choose firm, ripe ones for the juiciest bursts of flavor.

For frozen or dried cherries, prepare them correctly to avoid excess moisture or chewiness.

Lastly, don’t skip cooling time—allowing the bread to rest fully helps flavors settle and prevents crumbling when sliced.

Serving Suggestions You’ll Love

This cherry bread is versatile enough to shine in many settings. Serve a thick slice warm with a little butter or cream cheese for breakfast.

Pair it with coffee or tea as an afternoon snack, or drizzle it with a simple glaze for a more dessert-like presentation.

For brunch spreads, slice and serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance sweet and savory flavors.

It’s also a thoughtful homemade gift—wrap it in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a bakery-style presentation that feels personal and special.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your cherry bread moist and flavorful, let it cool completely before wrapping.

Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, though bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

This bread also freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices in plastic, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.

These storage methods make it an excellent option for meal prep or make-ahead baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.

This prevents extra moisture from making the bread soggy.

2. Can I make this bread without the crumb topping?

Absolutely! The crumb topping adds a sweet crunch, but the bread is still moist and delicious without it.

You can even substitute with chopped nuts, oats, or a light dusting of sugar for a different finish.

3. How do I prevent my bread from sinking in the middle?

Sinking can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the bread is underbaked.

Mix gently until just combined and always test with a toothpick for doneness before removing it from the oven.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and replace the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil.

The texture may change slightly, but the bread will still be soft and flavorful.

5. How should I serve cherry bread for a special occasion?

For a more festive touch, drizzle the cooled loaf with a powdered sugar glaze or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can also add a bakery-style finish.