Description
This Valentine’s Day Sweet Soft Cherry Bread is a delightful and moist loaf bursting with fresh cherries. Perfect for a festive treat or a cozy breakfast, this bread combines tender crumb texture with the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh cherries, making it an irresistible choice for cherry lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cherries: Wash and pit the fresh cherries, then cut them in halves; set aside to incorporate into the batter later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Beat wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and whole milk together until frothy to add air and lightness, then mix in the melted butter for richness.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined, then carefully fold in the cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Bake the batter: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spread evenly, and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and remove: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the loaf sets properly and avoids sogginess.
Notes
- Make sure cherries are well-pitted to avoid any bitter bites.
- Gently folding cherries into the batter prevents them from breaking and discoloring the bread.
- Use fresh cherries for best flavor; frozen cherries may add extra moisture.
- Letting the bread cool before slicing helps maintain its soft texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
