Bake with delight: a step-by-step guide to our cherry loaf masterpiece

Indulge in the irresistible charm of a homemade cherry loaf, a culinary masterpiece that combines the juicy sweetness of cherries with the soft and fluffy texture of a classic loaf. With our foolproof cherry loaf recipe, you can effortlessly create this delectable treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups (218g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted cherries.
7. Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cherry Loaf Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of chopped semisweet chocolate to the batter.
• Lemon Cherry Loaf: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the batter.
• Almond Cherry Loaf: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds to the batter.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Loaf

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen cherries can also be used. If using frozen cherries, thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a tough loaf. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the loaf is done.
• Store Properly: Store the cherry loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cherry Loaf Serving Ideas

• Breakfast or Brunch: Slice the cherry loaf and serve it with butter, jam, or whipped cream.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice of cherry loaf with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Dessert: Top the cherry loaf with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Wrapping Up: The Joy of Homemade Cherry Loaf

With its sweet and tart flavor, soft and fluffy texture, and endless variations, our cherry loaf recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or an indulgent dessert, this recipe will bring joy to your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use other types of cherries in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any variety of sweet cherries, such as Bing, Rainier, or Montmorency.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Q: How can I make the cherry loaf more festive?
A: Top the loaf with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle it with chopped nuts or dried cranberries.