Go Back
–+ servings

Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is a tender quick bread loaded with juicy cherries and chocolate chunks. This easy one-bowl dessert comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time using fresh or frozen fruit. Every slice features a soft, moist crumb enriched with sour cream and sweet pockets of melted chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 SLICES

Ingredients
  

  • Loaf cake
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups cherries pitted and halved (fresh, or thawed and well-drained frozen)
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • Optional vanilla glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Toss cherries and chocolate with 1 tablespoon flour (taken from the measured flour). Set aside.
  • Whisk remaining flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract (optional).
  • Mix in sour cream, then milk.
  • Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
  • Fold in most cherries and chocolate (reserve a small handful for the top).
  • Pour batter into pan, smooth top, scatter reserved cherries and chocolate on top.
  • Bake 55–70 minutes, tenting with foil if needed, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool in pan 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely.
  • Optional glaze: whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled loaf.

Notes

Frozen cherries must be thawed, drained, and patted dry to avoid a gummy center.
Don’t overmix after adding flour—mixing too long can make the loaf tough.
For the best flavor and texture, wrap the loaf and slice the next day.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!