This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and then make a purchase, I may get a small commission from that sale, at no extra cost to you.

Jump to Recipe

Top view of a loaf of Cherry Bread with two slices laying on the side.

This Easy Bob Evans Copycat Cherry Bread recipe will not only bring a smile to your face but is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. We love trying new things and experimenting with well known recipes. If you’ve ever been to Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen, you know their menu is filled with comforting, hearty dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Bob Evans’ well known cherry bread, a delightful and sweet treat, was next on our list to try. Recreating this recipe at home has been such a fun way to bring some comfort food back into our kitchen. Oh and the best part is it’s surprisingly simple!

There’s something exciting about trying to recreate a restaurant favorite, especially one that holds such fond memories. Growing up, Bob Evans was a place my extended family would go to for special events, from birthdays to holiday get-togethers. The rustic decor, the smell of hot, fresh comfort food, and of course, that delicious cherry bread always made the experience memorable. It’s not on the menu right now so we wanted to share this copycat recipe with you, with our added extra touch of two kinds of cherries and a hint of chocolate, so you can enjoy the same nostalgic flavors in your own kitchen!

Sliced loaf of Cherry Bread that shows bright red cherries, dark cherries and chocolate chips.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the reasons this Cherry Bread recipe is so fun to make is that it’s an easy, quick bread recipe with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, similar to our banana bread snack cake. With loaf pans, a few mixing bowls, and some fresh fruit, you’re ready to go! Plus, if you’ve never made a fruity loaf bread before, this is a great place to start.

The original recipe at Bob Evans uses maraschino cherries, but in this version, we’ll mix fresh cherries and cherry juice for extra flavor. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a bit of tanginess and moisture, making this bread soft and tender. Plus, the combination of white sugar and brown sugar creates a perfect sweetness that isn’t too overpowering.

Whether you want to serve this at a holiday gathering or bake it up as a treat for a casual family dinner, this loaf is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients

To recreate the magic of Bob Evans’ cherry bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh cherry juice (you can use maraschino cherry juice if you prefer)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Overhead picture of ingredients in glass bowls on marble background.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 5”x9” loaf pan with non-stick spray. We lined ours with parchment paper so it would lift the bread out easily.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Combine the Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), melted butter, cherry juice, orange juice, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should have some small lumps.
Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, chopped fresh cherries, and chocolate chips (if you’re using them). The bright cherries add a fun pop of color and flavor to this fruity loaf, and the chocolate chips bring an extra layer of sweetness.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If your bread is browning too quickly, tent a piece of tin foil over the top.
Cool: Allow the cherry bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. If you have any left-overs wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Overhead shot of two glass bowls with ingredients being mixed together.

Overhead picture of two bread pans. Bread pan on left with uncooked batter. Bread pan on the right baked.

A Nostalgic Twist on Comfort Food

One bite of this Bob Evans Copycat Cherry Bread, and you’ll experience a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make this loaf truly irresistible. The mix of maraschino cherries, fresh cherries, and a hint of orange juice adds a bright, fruity layer to each slice. With its soft texture and simple ingredients, this cherry bread is a treat you’ll find yourself craving and making time and time again.

Plus, if you’re looking for a fun spin, try adding some chocolate chips to the mix! It’s not part of the original recipe, but it adds a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the cherries.

Great for Gatherings

This easy quick bread recipe is perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or even holiday events. The bright cherries and soft, tender crumb make it a show-stopper, whether you serve it warm from the oven or at room temperature. It’s also a great make-ahead option—just wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite Bob Evans restaurant visits or introducing this comfort food classic to your family for the first time, this cherry bread is sure to be a hit. It’s quick, simple, and loaded with flavor!

Two slices of cherry bread showing bright red cherries, dark cherries and chocolate chips.

Expert Tips for Success

Fresh cherries vs. Maraschino: While maraschino cherries are great for their sweetness, don’t hesitate to use fresh or frozen cherries if you have them. They’ll add a burst of tart flavor that compliments the bread beautifully.
Storage: This bread stores well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate it to make it last longer.
Topping ideas: For a little extra flair, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and cherry juice over the top of the loaf once it’s cool. It adds a lovely touch of sweetness and color.

Cherry bread with two slices cut. Jar of cherries in the background.

Final Thoughts

Recreating a beloved restaurant version of a recipe like this cherry bread is not only fun but is a great way to challenge yourself to think outside the box and make recipes unique for your own recipe box. With its bright cherries, soft texture, and simple ingredients, this loaf is sure to delight your taste buds and become a new family favorite. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because, this copycat recipe is a winner!