Irresistible Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread: Your Go-To Recipe for Sweet & Moist Perfection
Indulge in a slice of pure joy with this exceptionally moist quick bread, bursting with the delightful flavors of sweet maraschino cherries, rich cream cheese, and a hint of fragrant pure almond extract. It’s a perfect treat to brighten any day, bringing a touch of homemade comfort to your table.
There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked quick bread, especially on those gloomy, grey winter days when you crave a little warmth and cheer. This homemade Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread is precisely the kind of sunshine you can bake right into your kitchen. Its vibrant red cherries and creamy texture make it a delightful escape, a delicious antidote to the mundane, and a sure way to lift spirits. In fact, this bread isn’t just for a specific kind of day – it’s so incredibly good, you’ll want to enjoy this sweet, moist quick bread any time the craving strikes!
I distinctly remember sharing a loaf with my dad, who then passed some along to a friend. Later that day, I received a text message raving about it – “It was the best bread she had ever eaten!” That kind of feedback truly speaks volumes about a recipe, doesn’t it? When a simple quick bread can elicit such a strong, positive reaction, you know you’ve stumbled upon something truly special. This cherry and cream cheese loaf has a way of captivating taste buds and leaving a lasting impression.
The Cherished Church Cookbook Legacy Behind This Delightful Quick Bread
This remarkable recipe hails from a true culinary treasure: an old church cookbook that my beloved grandmother gifted me years ago. These cookbooks are more than just collections of recipes; they are historical records of community, tradition, and most importantly, tried-and-true kitchen successes. I love to dig them out from time to time, and they never disappoint. The reason is simple: when you submit a recipe to a community cookbook, especially one for your church, you’re putting your name and reputation on the line. No one wants to share a mediocre dish with their friends and neighbors!
Therefore, every single recipe found within those pages is a tested, celebrated, and genuinely winning dish. This Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread is no exception. It’s a testament to timeless baking, offering a taste of nostalgia and comfort with every bite. The reliability of these vintage recipes is unparalleled, and this sweet bread recipe is a shining example of that enduring quality.
Why This Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread is a Must-Try
From the first mixing of ingredients to the final slice, this quick bread is an absolute dream to bake and even more so to eat. Honestly, it was a wonder the batter even made it into the pan; it’s so incredibly delicious straight from the bowl! The combination of flavors is truly exceptional. You get the subtle tang of rich cream cheese beautifully balanced by the sweetness and slightly tart burst of maraschino cherries. But what truly elevates this quick bread and gives it its signature appeal is the pure almond extract. It adds a sophisticated, fragrant note that perfectly complements the fruit and dairy, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
The texture is another standout feature that makes this homemade quick bread so irresistible. This isn’t just “moist”; it’s *super moist*, almost cake-like in its tenderness, yet still distinctly a satisfying bread. It holds together beautifully when sliced, revealing those delightful pops of red from the cherries, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. The crumb is incredibly tender, melting in your mouth and leaving you craving another slice of this cherry-infused goodness.
Watching this Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread bake up in the oven is a satisfying experience in itself. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is utterly divine – a comforting blend of sweet almond, creamy vanilla notes, and fruity cherries. It rises beautifully, turning a gorgeous golden-brown, promising the deliciousness within. On a side note, I adore my tea towels (it’s a bit of an addiction, truly!). But these specific ones mean the world to me because my Aunt hand-embroidered them. I have an entire collection, each adorned with different fruits, and they always add a special touch to my baking moments, just like this cherished quick bread recipe.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread
Achieving that perfect moist texture and rich flavor in your quick bread is easier than you think with these simple tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: Ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, uniform batter. Cold ingredients don’t emulsify well, leading to a lumpy batter and a less tender final product. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, trapping air for a lighter, fluffier quick bread.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: After adding the flour and baking powder, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dense quick bread rather than the desired moist and tender crumb. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Prepare Your Maraschino Cherries: Quartering the maraschino cherries ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the bread, giving you a delightful burst of fruity flavor in every bite. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking, lightly dust the drained, quartered cherries with a tablespoon of the dry flour mixture before gently folding them into the batter.
- Grease Your Loaf Pan Thoroughly: A well-greased loaf pan (or one lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting) is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your beautiful quick bread slides out easily after baking without any damage.
- Test for Doneness Reliably: The toothpick test is your best friend for quick breads. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Cool Before Slicing for Best Results: While it’s tempting to dive right into the warm, fragrant loaf, allowing the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack will help it set and prevent it from falling apart. Slice when it’s still slightly warm for the most satisfying, comforting experience, but let it cool completely if you want cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions & Storage for Your Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread
This Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread is absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with a generous smear of softened butter, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a light cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of decadence. A tall glass of cold milk makes it a perfect snack, a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch spread, or a sweet finish to any meal. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. Expect it to disappear quickly once served – it’s that good!
To store, wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture. For longer freshness, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer-term storage, this quick bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving for that freshly baked taste sensation.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Cherry Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks butter 1 cup, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
- 4 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries quartered
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Set aside.
-
In your mixer, cream together cream cheese, butter, sugar, almond extract and eggs until fluffy.
-
Add flour and baking powder and mix until incorporated.
-
Fold in cherries.
-
Pour into prepared pan, and bake for 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
—
More Favorite Quick Bread Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed baking this Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread, you might love exploring some of our other cherished quick bread recipes. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a comforting breakfast to a delightful afternoon snack, and prove just how versatile and delicious homemade quick breads can be!
Whether you’re seeking a cheerful treat to brighten a dreary day, a reliable quick bread recipe for a potluck, or simply a delicious homemade sweet bread for your family, this Cherry Cream Cheese Quick Bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Its sweet, super moist, and wonderfully flavorful profile, enhanced by fragrant almond extract and beautiful maraschino cherries, makes it truly unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to whip up a loaf and experience the magic for yourself. Happy baking!