This Cherry Loaf Cake is ultra-moist, buttery, and bursting with juicy cherries in every slice. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that drips beautifully down the sides, this loaf is perfect for mornings, holidays, gifting, or whenever you crave a bakery-style treat at home.
🍒 Ingredients
For the Loaf Cake:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup milk (whole milk works best)
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1 ½ cups cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen; if frozen, thaw and pat dry)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: a squeeze of lemon for brightness
🍞 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven & Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
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Beat butter + sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
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Add half of the dry ingredients → mix gently.
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Add the milk → mix again.
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Add remaining dry ingredients → mix just until combined.
Do not overmix to keep the loaf tender.
5. Add the Cherries
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Fold in the chopped cherries with a spatula.
If they are very juicy, toss them lightly in 1 tsp of flour to keep them from sinking.
