The Most Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

Name: Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 8 ounces maraschino cherries, chopped, juice reserved; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

January 17, 2026

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An Introduction to Homemade Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread

Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly transports you back to childhood bake sales and festive holiday mornings. The bright, neon-pink flecks of cherries against the golden, tender crumb create a visual delight that is matched only by its incredible aroma. This particular quick bread relies on the classic pairing of cherry and almond, two flavors that share a molecular compound called benzaldehyde, making them a natural and sophisticated match. Whether you are looking for a stunning addition to a Christmas brunch or a sweet loaf to gift to neighbors, this bread delivers every single time.

Creating the perfect Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread requires a balance of moisture and structure. Unlike yeast breads that require hours of rising, this quick bread uses baking powder to achieve its lift, meaning you can go from craving to eating in just about an hour. The addition of vegetable oil ensures a velvety texture that remains soft days after baking, while the almond extract provides a nutty depth that prevents the maraschino cherries from feeling overly cloying. If you enjoy fruit-forward desserts, you might also find yourself craving The Most Dreamy No-Bake Biscoff Cherry Pie You’ll Ever Crave for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread

There are countless reasons why this Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread will become a staple in your kitchen. First and foremost is the ease of preparation. You don't need a fancy stand mixer or professional-grade skills; a couple of bowls and a sturdy spatula are all it takes to whip up this masterpiece. The recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing for slight variations in the amount of cherry juice used to achieve your desired level of pinkness in the crumb.

Another reason to love this Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread is its versatility. It is sturdy enough to be sliced thin for a sophisticated tea party but decadent enough to be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The almond extract adds a professional bakery-style finish that makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen. For those who love a classic loaf, compare this texture to The Ultimate Moist Classic Banana Bread Recipe for another reliable favorite.

Ingredients for Success

To ensure your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread turns out perfectly, sourcing quality ingredients is key. This recipe uses basic pantry staples, but the quality of your extracts can significantly impact the final flavor profile. Always use pure almond and vanilla extracts rather than artificial versions for the most authentic taste.

The Ingredient List

Sugar: Standard granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps tenderize the crumb.
Oil: Vegetable or canola oil is preferred over butter for a moister, longer-lasting loaf.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to ensure they emulsify properly with the oil.
Extracts: A combination of vanilla and a generous amount of almond extract is the secret to that signature flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for the heavy cherries.
Leavening: Baking powder gives the bread its beautiful rise.
Maraschino Cherries: One 8-ounce jar is sufficient. Be sure to reserve the juice for the glaze and color.

Substitutions and Notes

If you want to experiment with your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread, consider swapping the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical undertone. For a lower-fat version, Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce can replace half of the oil, though the texture will be slightly denser. If you don't have all-purpose flour, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend also works remarkably well in this recipe.

Essential Equipment

You only need a few basic tools to make this bread. A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan is the ideal size. You will also need two mixing bowls, a whisk, and a sharp knife to chop the cherries. When prepping your fruit, using a Quality Chef's Knife will make the task much easier and safer. Don't forget parchment paper to line your pan, which ensures easy removal every time.

Instructions: How to Make Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread

Following these steps will ensure a perfect result for your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures there are no lumps in your batter.
Merge and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Prepare Cherries: Chop your maraschino cherries into quarters. Pat them dry with a paper towel and toss them with a teaspoon of flour to prevent sinking.
Incorporate Color: Fold the cherries and two tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice into the batter. This will give your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread a beautiful rosy tint.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar or a simple cherry juice glaze.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

To elevate your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread, follow these expert suggestions. First, always drain and dry your cherries thoroughly. Excess moisture can create soggy pockets in the bread. Second, measure your flour using the "spoon and level" method to avoid using too much, which leads to dry bread. Third, if you notice the top of the bread browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Lastly, the flavor of this Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread actually improves the next day as the almond extract mellows and permeates the crumb.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve your Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread sliced thick with a smear of softened cream cheese or salted butter. It is also excellent toasted. For storage, keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in double layers of plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

For variations, try adding half a cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for a richer treat. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the batter before baking for an added crunch. Some bakers like to add a pinch of cardamom to the flour mixture to give the bread a unique, spicy flair that complements the almond perfectly.

Nutrition Information

Below are the estimated nutrition facts for one serving of Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread (based on 12 servings per loaf).

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	295 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	11g

*Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands used and serving sizes.*

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Conclusion

This Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread is a timeless classic that brings joy to any table. Its beautiful color, moist texture, and signature almond aroma make it a standout among quick breads. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply to fill your home with a sweet scent, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. We hope you enjoy every sweet, cherry-filled bite of this nostalgic loaf!

FAQs

Why do my cherries sink to the bottom of the bread?

Cherries often sink because they are heavy and wet. To prevent this, toss your chopped, patted-dry cherries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them grip the batter and stay suspended during baking.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries, but the flavor and color will change. You won't get that iconic pink hue or the specific candy-like sweetness. If using fresh, add an extra half teaspoon of almond extract to compensate for the flavor loss.

How long does this Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread stay fresh?

When wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, this bread stays moist for 3-4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick treat later on.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil, apple sauce, or melted butter. Butter will add a richer flavor, while oil generally keeps the bread moister for a longer period.

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The Most Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

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