Cherry-Chocolate Loaf

This chocolate-cherry bread is reminiscent of a cherry cordial. Chef John's adapted cherry-chocolate loaf makes a delicious option for a baked treat.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 321 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups pitted cherries
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 teaspoons milk, or more as needed
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup plain yogurt
• 0.5 cup dark chocolate chunks

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a bowl.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x4-inch loaf pan with 1 teaspoon butter and reserve.

Step 3

Cream 1/2 cup butter and sugar together in another bowl with a spatula or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time with a whisk or an electric mixer, fully blending in the first egg before adding the next. Stir in yogurt and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Pour in the flour mixture and mix with a spatula until all the flour has disappeared. Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure to smooth the top evenly and fill in the corners. Tap pan on the counter to release any air pockets.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Step 6

While bread is resting, combine powdered sugar and milk in a bowl for icing, adding more milk as needed to reach a thin, runny consistency.

Step 7

Brush icing over loaf, allowing to drip down the sides. Let cool completely before slicing and serving, about 20 minutes more.

Step 8

Chop pitted cherries coarsely with a knife, or by pulsing on and off a few times in a food processor. Add to the wet ingredients along with chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts. Stir briefly to combine. Batter may look curdled, but don't worry.