Decadent Chocolate Cherry Loaf with Pink Glaze

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both rich and visually stunning, the Decadent Chocolate Cherry Loaf with Pink Glaze is a perfect choice. This loaf is a luxurious blend of dark chocolate, juicy cherries, and a sweet, lightly tangy pink glaze that makes it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert for a special gathering, this chocolate cherry loaf is guaranteed to impress.

The combination of chocolate and cherries has long been a favorite flavor pairing in baking. The dark, bittersweet chocolate balances beautifully with the tartness of cherries, while the pink glaze adds a playful, festive touch. This recipe is designed to be approachable, yet decadent, and the final loaf has a moist, tender crumb with bursts of cherry in every bite.

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Ingredients

Loaf Batter:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (or chocolate chips)
• 1 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen

Pink Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp cherry juice or milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops of red food coloring for brighter pink

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk: Mix in the sour cream and milk until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
7. Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
8. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Pink Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice (or milk), vanilla extract, and optional food coloring until smooth. Adjust consistency with more liquid if necessary.
10. Glaze the Loaf: Drizzle the pink glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip naturally over the sides. Garnish with extra cherries or chocolate shavings if desired.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the loaf and enjoy as a decadent dessert or elegant snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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Tips for the Perfect Loaf

• Cherry Choice: Use fresh, firm cherries or high-quality frozen cherries. If using frozen, do not thaw before folding into batter to prevent excess moisture.
• Chocolate Variety: Dark chocolate adds depth, but semi-sweet chocolate chips work well for a sweeter loaf.
• Avoid Overmixing: Fold gently to maintain a tender crumb; overmixing can make the loaf dense.
• Make-Ahead Option: The loaf can be baked a day in advance and glazed right before serving for convenience.

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Variations

• Almond Cherry Loaf: Add ½ tsp almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate Ganache Glaze: Replace the pink glaze with a rich chocolate ganache for an extra chocolate punch.
• Mixed Berry Loaf: Substitute cherries with raspberries or a mix of berries for a fruity alternative.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Slice thinly for a tea-time treat or thicker slices for dessert after dinner.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine to enhance the chocolate and cherry flavors.

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Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Chocolate and cherries have been a beloved pairing in desserts across Europe for centuries, particularly in French and German confectionery. The pink glaze, often made with cherry juice or food coloring, adds a modern, Instagram-worthy aesthetic, making it perfect for festive gatherings or Valentine’s Day. This loaf combines classic flavors with a contemporary presentation, blending tradition and modernity in every bite.