Description
This Cherry Loaf with Coconut is a soft and buttery quick bread filled with sweet maraschino cherries and shredded coconut. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, it offers a delightful balance of fruity and tropical flavors with a tender crumb and moist texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Cherries and Coconut: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and shredded coconut into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the loaf soggy.
- For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top of the batter before baking.
- This loaf pairs wonderfully with a simple powdered sugar glaze or lightly dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
