Introduction
Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary destination where we bring you delicious, innovative, and tried-and-true recipes that elevate your cooking experience. Today, we delve into the creation of a decadent sweet bread that perfectly marries the rich, velvety notes of chocolate with the bright, juicy bursts of cherries. This Chocolate Cherry Bread is not only an indulgent treat but also a versatile addition to your baking repertoire, suitable for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. Its combination of moist, tender crumb, crunchy pecans, and sweet cherries offers a sensory delight that appeals to both the sweet tooth and the bread lover. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice eager to explore new flavors, this recipe promises simplicity, flavor, and satisfaction in every slice.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Bread machine
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife or cherry pitter
- Cutting board
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Kitchen scale (optional, for precision)
Tags
Sweet Bread, Fruit Bread, Chocolate Lover’s Delight, Nutty, Easy, No-Fuss, Family Favorite, Homemade, Baking, Snack, Dessert
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately one 1-pound loaf, which can be sliced into roughly 8 servings, depending on thickness preference. Each serving delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for sharing or savoring solo.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate — This recipe involves basic bread machine operation with optional chopping and preparation of cherries and pecans. No advanced baking skills required, but attention to ingredient quality and baking times enhances results.
Allergen Information
| Allergen | Contains |
|---|---|
| Gluten | Yes (bread flour) |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Nuts | Pecans |
| Dairy | Milk, margarine (dairy-derived) |
| Sulfites | Cherries (may contain sulfites) |
Dietary Preference
Vegetarian. This recipe does not contain meat or seafood. For vegan adaptation, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and omit eggs.
Course
Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine
American, Baked Goods, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | 2/3 cup | Warm, about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast |
| Egg | 1 large | Room temperature for optimal mixing |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons | Melted or softened |
| Bread Flour | 2 cups | All-purpose or bread flour works |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup | Granulated sugar |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1/2 teaspoon | Fresh or instant yeast, check machine compatibility |
| Cherries | 3/4 cup | Pitted and chopped, fresh or frozen |
| Pecans | 1/2 cup | Chopped, toasted optional for more flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by preparing your ingredients. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully with a cherry pitter or small paring knife, ensuring the pits are fully removed to prevent bitterness in the bread. Chop the cherries into small, uniform pieces—roughly 1/4-inch chunks—so they distribute evenly throughout the bread. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch. Allow the pecans to cool before chopping into small pieces.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk, egg, and margarine, to facilitate proper mixing and activation of the yeast.
2. Loading the Bread Machine
Follow your bread machine’s manual for ingredient order, but generally, it’s recommended to add wet ingredients first, then dry ingredients, and finally the yeast on top. For most machines, the order is:
- Milk
- Egg
- Margarine
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Yeast
- Add-ins (cherries and pecans)
Carefully measure each ingredient to ensure accuracy, which is crucial for bread baking. Using a kitchen scale for flour and sugar improves consistency. Place the ingredients into the bread pan in the specified order, taking care not to let the yeast contact the liquids directly to prevent premature activation.
3. Adding the Fruit and Nuts
Once the basic ingredients are in place, add the chopped cherries and pecans. Many bread machines have a dispenser, but if yours doesn’t, add these directly into the bread pan along with the other ingredients. If your machine has a fruit and nut dispenser, set it to add these ingredients at the appropriate time, usually during the kneading cycle.
4. Selecting the Program
Close the lid and select the dough or basic bread setting suitable for egg bread or sweet bread. This cycle typically includes mixing, kneading, rising, and baking. Confirm the crust color preference—light, medium, or dark—based on your taste. For a richer crust, opt for a darker setting.
Press start and let the machine perform its magic. The aroma that fills your kitchen during the rising and baking phases is a testament to the quality of your ingredients and the care taken during preparation.
5. Baking and Cooling
When baking cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan using oven mitts—hot steam and pan handles require caution. Transfer the bread onto a cooling rack immediately to prevent sogginess. Let it cool completely—at least 30 minutes—before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb to set, ensuring clean cuts and optimal texture.
Preparation Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality bread flour and fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Cherries: For a more intense cherry flavor, soak dried cherries in a splash of cherry juice or liqueur before adding.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust sugar levels based on sweetness preference. For a less sweet bread, reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Adding Cocoa: For a more chocolatey experience, mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with the dry ingredients.
- Flavor Enhancers: A teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract can deepen the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information in Tables
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1776.4 kcal |
| Fat | 58.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 234.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1589.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 277.2 g |
| Fiber | 18.7 g |
| Sugar | 61.8 g |
| Protein | 46.4 g |
Tips and Tricks
- Consistency: For uniform distribution of cherries and pecans, toss them lightly with a teaspoon of flour before adding. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Texture Variations: For a denser bread, substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
- Moisture Control: If the bread turns out too dense or dry, reduce the flour slightly or increase the liquid by a tablespoon.
- Enhancing Flavor: Swirl in a spoonful of chocolate or cherry preserves before baking for extra richness.
Add-ons
- Chocolate chips for an even more decadent flavor
- Maraschino cherries for a colorful and sweet burst
- Orange zest or extract to add a citrus note
- Coconut flakes for tropical flair
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla Greek yogurt
- Light whipped cream or mascarpone
- Herbal teas or rich coffee
Improvements and Variations
- Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
- Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or glaze after cooling for presentation and extra indulgence.
- Make a gluten-free version using almond or rice flour, adjusting liquids accordingly.
Save and Store
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore freshness.
FAQ
Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough manually by mixing ingredients in a large bowl, kneading until smooth, then letting it rise covered in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I substitute fresh cherries with dried cherries?
Yes. Dried cherries can be used and will add a concentrated sweet flavor. Soak dried cherries in warm water or cherry liqueur for 10–15 minutes to rehydrate and enhance their flavor before chopping and adding to the dough.
Is this bread suitable for freezing?
Yes. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes for best texture.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Certainly. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried fruits like apricots can be incorporated for variety. Additionally, spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth.
Conclusion
Creating your own Chocolate Cherry Bread at home transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that combines the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with the indulgent flavors of chocolate and cherries. The process is straightforward, especially with a bread machine, and yields a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sharing or savoring alone. By experimenting with add-ins, flavor enhancements, and presentation styles, you can customize this bread to suit your palate and occasion. Remember, the key to a successful bake lies in quality ingredients, precise measurements, and patience during cooling. We hope this detailed guide inspires you to bake a spectacular loaf that impresses family and friends alike, further enriching your baking journey with love and creativity. For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, keep exploring Love With Recipes, your trusted partner in delightful home cooking.
References
- King Arthur Flour. (2020). Basic Bread Machine Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.kingarthurbaking.com
- Williams Sonoma. (2019). Baking with Fresh Fruits. Retrieved from https://www.williams-sonoma.com