**Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread Recipe – A christmas treat that delights!**
## Introduction
Holidays are for indulging, and what better way to treat yourself than with a slice of Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread? A perfectly moist loaf, packed with rich, chocolatey goodness, and dotted with sweet, tart cherries – this homemade bread is a festive celebration in itself! A slice for breakfast, a slice for tea, or even a slice with a glass of warm milk before bed, this bread will soon become your holiday favorite!
## Why make this Recipe
Make this Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread and bring the warm, decadent flavors of the season right into your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe should be on your holiday baking list:
– It’s incredibly easy to make with basic pantry staples.
– The delicious combination of chocolate and cherries is not only tasty but also festive.
– It’s perfect for gifting. Wrap a loaf in pretty festive wrapping to create a personal homemade gift that anyone would love.
– It serves as a delightful dessert, a special breakfast, or just a comforting snack on winter days.
## How to Make Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread
Creating this scrumptious festive bread is simpler than you might think. Follow the recipe below to learn how to make Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread that’s sure to impress.
## Ingredients
– All-purpose flour
– Cocoa powder
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Sugar
– Unsalted butter
– Large eggs
– Vanilla extract
– Buttermilk
– Dark chocolate chips
– Dried cherries
– Chopped almonds (optional)
## Directions
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf pan. Combine and sift the dry ingredients, then whisk the wet ingredients. Gradually mix the dry ingredients and the buttermilk into the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. Pour the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle almonds, and pop it into the oven. Give it some time and patience, and you’ll soon have a wonderfully aromatic loaf of Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread – ready for that first decadent slice!
## How to Serve Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread
This festive bread can be served warm or cold. It tastes wonderful on its own, given the ample flavors of cozy chocolate and sweet-tart cherries. Or turn it into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar – a Christina treat indeed!
## How to Store Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread
Store the Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it. Make sure to slice it before freezing, so you can directly heat the required number of slices.
## Tips to Make Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread
– Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
– Do not overmix the batter; it can lead to dense bread.
– Use a toothpick to check the bread’s doneness. If it comes out clean, your bread is cooked.
– Let your loaf cool completely before slicing to get neat slices.
## Variations
– You can use milk chocolate chips for a less intense chocolate flavor.
– Substitute dried cherries with cranberries for a delightful alternative.
## FAQs
Q1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?
– Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries, but they may make your bread a bit more moist.
Q2. Can I use a different shape pan?
– Yes, but remember that the baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your batter in the pan.
Q3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
– Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Use it in place of buttermilk in the recipe.
Baking and sharing the Holiday Chocolate Cherry Bread adds to the joy of the season. Try it at home this holiday season, and share the love with family and friends!