Home baking extravaganza: create zingerman’s famous chocolate cherry bread from scratch

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Zingerman’s chocolate cherry bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. This iconic bread, renowned for its rich chocolatey aroma and succulent cherry bursts, will transform your kitchen into a bakery haven.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (120g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) melted unsalted butter
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) chopped semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (150g) chopped dried cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add Wet to Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
• To add a hint of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1 cup (240ml) of plain yogurt thinned with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk.

Variations:

• Chocolate Cherry Orange Bread: Add 1/4 cup (60ml) of freshly squeezed orange juice and 1 tablespoon (15g) of grated orange zest to the wet ingredients.
• Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread: Mash 1 ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
• Chocolate Cherry Walnut Bread: Add 1/2 cup (75g) of chopped walnuts to the batter.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spread with butter or cream cheese for a classic treat.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Perfecting the Craft:

• To achieve a moist and tender crumb, make sure to not overmix the batter.
• If the bread starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it with aluminum foil.
• For a longer shelf life, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

A Culinary Journey: The Story of Zingerman’s

Founded in 1982, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a renowned culinary institution in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their chocolate cherry bread is a testament to their commitment to using the finest ingredients and crafting exceptional food. This recipe is a chance to bring a piece of that culinary magic into your own kitchen.

Conclusion: A Taste of Heaven

Zingerman’s chocolate cherry bread is a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories. Whether you bake it for special occasions or as a weekday treat, this bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit and chop them before adding them to the batter.
Q: How long can I store the bread?
A: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.