Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf

 

What Makes Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf So Special?

This recipe hits all the right notes: it's soft and fluffy thanks to the cream cheese in the batter, and the cherries add a pop of fruitiness and color that makes it both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty. The loaf is rich, but not too heavy—perfectly balanced for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

You can use fresh, frozen, or even maraschino cherries, depending on the flavor and look you're going for. A light glaze on top is optional, but highly recommended if you want to take it over the top!

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Ingredients:

For the loaf:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup cherries (halved if large – fresh, frozen (thawed), or maraschino, drained and patted dry)

Optional glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• 1/4 tsp almond or vanilla extract

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Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add in the sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Bring It All Together:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the loaf tender.

5. Fold in the Cherries:
   Gently fold the cherries into the batter, taking care not to overwork it. If using fresh or frozen cherries, you may want to toss them in a tablespoon of flour first to help keep them from sinking.

6. Bake:
   Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil around the 40-minute mark.

7. Cool and Glaze:
   Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

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Tips for Perfect Results:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-mixed batter.

• Cherry Choice: Fresh cherries provide a natural tartness, while maraschino cherries give a sweeter, nostalgic flavor and vibrant red color.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat.

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Variations to Try:

• Cherry Almond Loaf: Add 1/2 tsp of almond extract to the batter and top with slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the cherries.

• Lemon Cherry Loaf: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and use lemon juice in the glaze for a citrusy twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Visually stunning thanks to the pop of red cherries

• Versatile – great for brunch, dessert, or gifting

• Moist and rich with a tender crumb from the cream cheese

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Final Thoughts:

The Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures—rich yet light, sweet with just a hint of tartness. It’s a perfect go-to recipe when you want something homemade and heartfelt without too much fuss. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or as a chilled slice with glaze, it’s a loaf you’ll find yourself making again and again.