Dried Cherry Vanilla Yogurt Soda Bread

Easy

Who doesn't love a warm soda bread coming out of the oven on a chilly morning (afternoon...evening...)

Soda bread is one of the simplest breads to make, and it only requires what you typically have on hand for ingredients, especially this version, my Dried Cherry Vanilla Yogurt Soda Bread.

Suggested by a member of our Appetite for Life Facebook Group, I knew this was a recipe I wanted to try right away. It didn't disappoint.

I used dried cherries because that is what I had on hand, but this recipe would be just as good without the fruit or with another dried fruit, such as dried blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Now that I think of it, it would also be good with fresh orange or tangerine zest. Of course, it is delicious just as is - without fruit.

Here's a tip for making soda bread. Bring the dough together in the bowl, and then turn it out onto the counter to knead only about 5 times so it comes together. Then, put it on the baking tray, wash your hands, and with wet hands, pat it into a round disc. You will find your hands don't stick when they are wet! Genius!

Another tip - I make my soda breads free-form on a baking tray, but you could use a cake tin for a prettier, more consistent boule, like I did for my Gluten-free Herb Parmesan Soda Bread, or you could even make this version in a loaf pan which makes wonderful slices to toast.

Whatever fruit or no-fruit version you make, I'm sure you will love this vanilla yogurt soda bread.

Happy cooking!

Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020.  Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook.  Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking.  Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.