There is something so comforting about a freshly baked loaf, especially when it’s packed with fresh, juicy and sweet cherries! It is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and tender—a delightful treat that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Made with fresh pitted cherries and creamy Greek yogurt, this loaf has a cake-like texture that’s rich yet light. Perfect for a weekend treat or a sweet snack with coffee, it’s an easy recipe that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Some fun facts about cherries
Cherries are not only delicious but also packed with history, health benefits, and fun trivia. Here are some interesting facts about cherries that you might not know:
1. Cherries are ancient! They have been enjoyed for thousands of years, with the first recorded cultivation dating back to around 300 BC in the Mediterranean region.
2. Over 1,000 varieties exist. There are more than 1,000 different types of cherries worldwide, though only a few are widely produced for consumption, such as Bing and Rainier cherries.
3. Cherries are packed with antioxidants. These little fruits are a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them great for reducing muscle soreness and promoting heart health.
4. They can help you sleep better. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making them a tasty bedtime snack.
5. A cherry’s colour can be deceptive. Not all cherries are red! Some varieties, like Rainier cherries, are golden with a rosy blush but are just as sweet as their darker counterparts.
These fun facts add a bit more charm to the already beloved cherry, making it all the more exciting to bake with!
Let’s dive into this delightful cherry loaf recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious!
Cherry Loaf
Ingredients
160g Unsalted butter, room temperature
160g Sugar, White granulated
5ml Vanilla essence
3 Eggs, large
150g Greek Yogurt
260g Flour, all purpose
10ml Baking powder
2.5ml Salt
300g Cherries, fresh pitted and chopped into halves
10ml Sugar, Brown granulated
Icing sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
Grease a loaf pan. Tip: The best way to do this is to butter the pan, then sprinkle it with flour, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Set the pan aside.
Pit and roughly chop the fresh cherries, then set them set aside. Double-check the weight after pitting, as they weigh less with out the pits. 😉
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add the vanilla essence and yoghurt. Mix well.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Gently fold in ⅔ of the prepared cherries. Pour the batter into your greased loaf-tin, then evenly scatter the remaining cherries on top, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top.
Bake for 40 – 50 minutes or until the loaf turns light golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the loaf is ready.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let is cool in the tin for around 5 minutes before taking it out. Allow the loaf to fully cool on the rack.
Finish by dusting the loaf with icing sugar, then slice and enjoy!
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