If you love the rich, decadent flavor of brownies and the tart sweetness of cherries, this Cherry Brownie Bread is the dessert you’ve been waiting for. This delightful loaf combines the dense, fudgy texture of a brownie with bursts of cherry flavor, topped with a luscious cherry glaze. Perfect for a special treat or a unique addition to your dessert table, this bread will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Brownie Bread:
- 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (59 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup water
- 1 jar (16 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, juice reserved
For the Cherry Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons cherry juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Line a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate Chips: Place the milk chocolate chips in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Chocolate, Oil, and Water: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until no lumps remain and the batter is smooth.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 80-85 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the bread to dry out.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to handle.
Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Glaze (Optional)
- Mix the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cherry juice. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and you’ve reached your desired consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cherry juice. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, pour the cherry glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Cherry Brownie Bread
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensuring your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature will help them blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense and tough.
3. Fold in Cherries Gently
Be gentle when folding in the chopped cherries to avoid breaking them apart too much and distributing the flavor evenly.
4. Monitor Baking Time
Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bread at the 80-minute mark. The toothpick test is a reliable way to check for doneness.
Variations to Try
1. Add Nuts
For added texture and flavor, fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the cherries.
2. Different Chocolates
Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
3. Maraschino Cherry Alternatives
You can use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Dessert: Serve slices of Cherry Brownie Bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea. The rich chocolate and cherry flavors make for a delightful start to the day.
- At Gatherings: This bread is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serves as a unique and delicious treat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size):
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Storing and Freezing
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bread tastes best when slightly warmed before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze Cherry Brownie Bread for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Cherry Brownie Bread is a decadent and delightful dessert that combines the best of two beloved treats: brownies and cherries. Its rich, chocolatey flavor, paired with the tartness of cherries and a sweet cherry glaze, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, enjoying it for breakfast, or sharing it at a gathering, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious bread with your loved ones. Happy baking!