Some recipes feel like they were made for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, or anytime you want a little something sweet without going overboard. Cherry Banana Bread is one of those bakes—a cheerful, colorful twist on the classic banana loaf that so many of us grew up loving. There’s something nostalgic about banana bread, but adding maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, and a glossy cherry glaze transforms it into a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This loaf has a little bit of everything: the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, pops of cherry flavor in every slice, and creamy chocolate chips that melt into the warm crumb. It’s moist, tender, and visually stunning with flecks of bright red cherries throughout. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying a warm slice with coffee, this bread brings a burst of happiness to your kitchen.
With easy substitutions and a simple method, you’ll find this recipe approachable yet impressive. Let’s dive into this delightful Cherry Banana Bread and discover why it deserves a spot in your baking rotation.
Recipe Overview
Cherry Banana Bread is a moist, fruit-filled loaf featuring smashed bananas, maraschino cherries, mini chocolate chips, and a sweet cherry glaze. It bakes up beautifully with a soft crumb and a festive look, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy mornings at home. If you love banana bread but want something extra special, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients & Instructions
This loaf comes together quickly with pantry staples and a few colorful add-ins. Here’s everything you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) jar maraschino cherries
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup smashed banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice + 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with nonstick spray, making sure to coat the corners well. This helps the loaf release easily once baked.
2. Prep the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving all the juice—this will flavor the glaze later.
Cut cherries into quarters for small, juicy bursts throughout the bread.
Lay them on paper towels and pat them completely dry.
Dry cherries = better texture and no pink bleeding throughout the loaf.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract until light and creamy. This step ensures a soft, fluffy bread.
Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the smashed banana and Greek yogurt. Mix again until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups flour
- baking soda
- salt
Stir this dry mixture into the wet banana mixture. Mix only until combined—overmixing can toughen the crumb.
5. Add Cherries & Chocolate
Sprinkle the cherries with the 2 teaspoons of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Gently fold the floured cherries and mini chocolate chips into the batter.
The batter will be thick and beautifully speckled.
6. Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on your oven.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Tip: Tent with foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.
7. Cool Completely
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Then flip it onto a plate, turn it upright, and cool fully on a wire rack.
Cooling completely ensures the glaze sets beautifully.
8. Glaze the Bread
Whisk together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cherry juice
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf.
It creates a glossy pink finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add Nuts for Crunch
Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture and pair well with banana.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the chocolate chips or skip the glaze altogether.
3. Try Different Mix-Ins
White chocolate chips
Shredded coconut
Dried cherries
All of these complement the fruity flavors perfectly.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt such as coconut yogurt.
5. Mini Loaves or Muffins
This batter works beautifully for mini loaves or muffins—just reduce the bake time to 20–25 minutes.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature.
Serving
This Cherry Banana Bread is delicious:
- Slightly warmed with butter
- With a cup of coffee or hot tea
- As a brunch centerpiece
- Sliced thick for dessert with whipped cream
The combination of cherries, banana, and chocolate makes every slice feel special.
Cherry Banana Bread takes everything you love about traditional banana bread and elevates it with color, flavor, and charm. The maraschino cherries add brightness, the bananas keep the loaf tender and moist, and the chocolate chips melt into little pockets of sweetness. Topped with a pretty pink cherry glaze, it’s a stunning loaf that tastes just as good as it looks.
Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe brings fun and flavor to your kitchen. Give it a try the next time your bananas start to brown—you’ll be glad you did.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, but the flavor will be less sweet and bold. Pit and chop them finely before adding.
2. Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
Absolutely. The loaf will still be flavorful and moist without them.
3. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Sour cream works perfectly and creates an equally soft crumb.
4. Why did my cherries sink?
Make sure to dry them well and coat them in flour before folding into the batter.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in two 9×5 pans or one large Bundt pan (adjust baking time accordingly).
Cherry Banana Bread combines sweet bananas, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips into a moist, vibrant loaf topped with a cherry glaze. Easy, delicious, and perfect for brunch or gifting!
