Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf is the perfect choice. With its rich, buttery base, creamy filling, and sweet cherry flavor, this loaf cake makes a wonderful treat for holidays, tea parties, or a simple family dessert.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf

This recipe combines the soft, tender texture of a classic loaf cake with the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cherries. The balance of flavors makes it versatile—you can serve it as a snack with coffee, as a light dessert after dinner, or even as part of a holiday spread. The addition of cream cheese not only adds creaminess but also keeps the loaf moist and flavorful.

Recipe: Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained)
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (optional for extra flavor)

Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or cherry juice

Instructions

Preheat Oven – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Butter and Cheese – In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add Sugar and Eggs – Gradually mix in sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry – Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Fold in Cherries – Gently stir in chopped cherries and, if using, cherry juice for extra flavor.
Bake the Loaf – Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze – Allow loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with glaze once cooled, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts pair beautifully with cherries.
Holiday Twist: Swap maraschino cherries for candied red and green cherries during Christmas.
Berry Variation: Try fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Storage: Keep loaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful dessert loaf that’s sure to impress. With its creamy texture, sweet cherries, and optional glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it during the holidays or as an everyday treat, this loaf will quickly become a family favorite.