There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked loaf of bread that carries the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and the sweet tartness of cherries. Our Chocolate Cherry Bread recipe is the perfect treat to brighten up your mornings or serve as an irresistible snack anytime during the day.
This loaf balances the deep cocoa notes with bursts of juicy cherries, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re an avid baker or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, this bread is sure to impress.
Not only does this bread look stunning with its swirls of chocolate and cherries, but it also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit breakfast, dessert, or a tea-time treat.
Get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Cherry Bread recipe combines the best of both worlds—a moist, tender crumb infused with rich chocolate and dotted with vibrant cherries. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills.
The cherries add a perfect hint of tartness that cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that pleases all palates. Plus, it’s quick to mix and bakes into a stunning loaf that’s perfect for gifting or savoring yourself.
If you love experimenting with flavors in your baking, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional quick breads. It’s also a fantastic way to use fresh or frozen cherries and satisfy your chocolate cravings all at once.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for cocoa and flour)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined. This will keep your bread moist and tender.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
- Fold in the cherries and chocolate chips gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar before slicing and serving for an elegant touch.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, make sure your cherries are well-drained if using frozen to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.”
You can swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt or buttermilk depending on what you have on hand. Each will maintain the bread’s moist texture.
If you prefer a nutty touch, consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the cherries and chocolate chips for some crunch.
Want a dairy-free version? Use vegan butter and a plant-based yogurt alternative.
This bread also freezes wonderfully—slice and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick treat anytime.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder into the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate depth.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12th of loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Total Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Cholesterol | 50 mg |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Sugars | 18 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Cherry Bread is wonderful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
For a more decadent treat, spread cream cheese or mascarpone on a slice and sprinkle with extra chopped cherries or chocolate shavings. This bread also makes a fantastic base for a dessert bread pudding or French toast.
Looking to make it a part of your brunch spread? Serve slices alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced and inviting table.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this Chocolate Cherry Bread recipe is a delightful choice. Its perfect balance of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.
The moist and tender texture, coupled with the ease of preparation, makes it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
With versatile serving options and simple ingredient swaps, this bread can fit seamlessly into your breakfast, snack, or dessert repertoire. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to a slice of homemade goodness.
Don’t forget to explore some other delicious recipes like Cocoa Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Absolutely Adore, Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep your kitchen adventures exciting and flavorful.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Cherry Bread
Description: A moist and flavorful quick bread combining rich chocolate and tart cherries. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, chopped
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until combined, then add oil and vanilla.
- Mix sour cream into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips gently.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 35 g
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