Dried cherry bread is a delightful, slightly sweet loaf that combines the tartness of cherries with a tender crumb, making it a perfect snack or breakfast treat. This easy recipe is ideal for beginners, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps that yield a moist, flavorful bread every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, chopped if large
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the dried cherries and nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Substitution: If you don’t have dried cherries, dried cranberries or raisins make a great alternative for a similar tart-sweet flavor.
- Moisture boost: Soak dried cherries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to the batter to prevent dryness and add extra flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can make the bread dense and tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Dried cherry bread is delicious on its own or lightly toasted with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or honey. For a breakfast treat, serve slices alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It also pairs well with soft cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a savory-sweet snack. Thinly sliced, it can be used to make a unique sandwich with nut butters or mild cheeses.
Variations
To customize this bread, try these variations:
- Spiced Cherry Bread: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Orange Zest Cherry Bread: Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest to the wet ingredients to brighten the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) and adjust liquid slightly if needed.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
Storage and Reheating
Store dried cherry bread at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery or dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries contain much more moisture than dried cherries, which can affect the bread’s texture and baking time. If you want to use fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then toss with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. You may need to slightly reduce other liquids and bake a little longer. However, dried cherries are preferred for a reliable, easy loaf.
Why is my cherry bread dense or heavy?
Dense bread often results from overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and toughens the crumb. Make sure to stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Also, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents reduce rise.
Can I make this bread in a muffin tin?
Yes! The batter can be portioned into a greased or lined muffin tin to make cherry muffins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is a great option for smaller, individual servings.
How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the dried cherries in a light dusting of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly. Also, folding gently and avoiding overly wet batter can prevent sinking.
Is buttermilk necessary, or can I substitute regular milk?
Buttermilk adds acidity that reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise and stay tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries are great alternatives or additions. Nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture and flavor. Just keep the total amount of add-ins around 1 to 1½ cups to maintain the right batter consistency.
What’s the best way to slice cherry bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and slice gently to avoid crushing the bread. Letting the bread cool completely before slicing helps maintain a clean cut and prevents crumbling.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this easy dried cherry bread recipe is a great starting point for novice bakers looking to explore quick breads. Its versatility and delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors make it a satisfying homemade treat to enjoy year-round.
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