Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread

Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the afternoons I spent in my grandmother's kitchen. She used to whip up the most delightful treats, and this recipe was always a family favorite. It's rich, moist, and the combination of sweet cherries with deep chocolate flavors warms my soul just like her hugs. I can still hear her laughter as we'd wait impatiently for it to cool, stealing bites of the batter when we thought no one was looking!

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This bread is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet treat to share with friends. It bridges the gap between dessert and breakfast so beautifully, making it a delightful way to celebrate the cherry season or simply indulge in something comforting. Trust me, once you bake this Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread, it'll become a treasured recipe in your own kitchen too!

Why You'll Love "Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread"

• Quick and easy prep time of just 15 minutes.
• Minimal ingredients make it a budget-friendly choice.
• Family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
• Perfectly balances sweet and rich flavors - a real crowd-pleaser!
• Can be made with fresh or frozen cherries, making it versatile year-round.
• Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it later without losing flavor!

Ingredients You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I usually go for a brand that's unbleached for a more natural flavor.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste - you can even use coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor!)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Use a high-quality cocoa for richer chocolate flavor; I love Dutch-processed.)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (Make sure it's fresh for a nice rise.)
• ½ teaspoon salt (A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, trust me!)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil (Canola oil works too; you want something mild that won't overpower the flavors.)
• 2 large eggs (Room temperature eggs give a better rise, so take them out of the fridge a bit early!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for the best taste; it really makes a difference!)
• 1 cup milk (You can swap in almond or oat milk if you're looking for a dairy-free option.)

Add-ins

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (If using frozen, just toss them in straight from the freezer; no need to thaw!)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet, but dark chocolate chips can amp up that rich flavor.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that warmth going!
2. While that's happening, grease a loaf pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray so your bread comes out easily.

Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, grab your dry ingredients: add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
2. Whisk them together until they're well combined; you want to make sure there are no lumps from the cocoa powder.

Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of milk.
2. Mix it well until everything is nice and smooth. This is where the magic of flavors starts to blend!

Mix Ingredients

1. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
2. Gently stir them together until just combined; don't overmix! It's okay if there are a few lumps.

Add Cherries and Chocolate

1. Fold in the 1 cup of chopped cherries and ½ cup of chocolate chips.
2. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter - this is where you get that delicious burst of flavor!

Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
2. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Once it's done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to dive in right away!

Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Mix in a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
• Use dried cherries or cranberries if fresh cherries aren't in season.
• For a lighter version, replace the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

This Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread is best served warm or at room temperature. Slice it up and enjoy it on its own, or spread a little butter on top for that extra touch of indulgence. It makes a delightful addition to your brunch spread or a cozy evening snack!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. Just remember to wrap it well to keep that moisture in!

Helpful Notes

• If you're out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• For an extra rich flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Feel free to add in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
• To make it dairy-free, use almond milk or another plant-based milk.
• Remember, baking is a science; measure your ingredients carefully for the best results!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread! Just make sure it's completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

What can I substitute for eggs?

If you're looking to replace eggs, there are several great options! You can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, or try a flax egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water - let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. For a lighter option, a mashed banana can also work in a pinch!

Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can mix it up with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries would all bring a lovely flavor. If you want to try something different, chopped apples or even canned peaches could add a delightful sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the moisture content of the fruit you choose!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my dear friend! Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread is not just a recipe; it's a delicious way to create fond memories in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try, whether it's for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend treat. The blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate will surely win over your heart, just like it did for me. So grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let the baking begin! I can't wait for you to taste this delightful creation and share your own stories around the table.

Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread

This Cherry Chocolate Delight Bread combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a moist loaf.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Bread, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• loaf pan

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Add-ins

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This bread can be served warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Keyword Cherry Bread, Cherry Chocolate Bread, Chocolate Bread