Cherry Almond Bread recipe

The aroma alone is enough to transport me back to cozy weekend mornings. The first time I baked this Cherry Almond Bread, I was a little nervous. I love cherries, I love almonds, but would they play well together in a quick bread without one overpowering the other? The moment it came out of the oven, golden brown with glistening almonds on top and little peeks of ruby red cherries, I knew I was onto something special. My family, usually slow to rise on a Saturday, were drawn to the kitchen by the irresistible scent. The first slice, still warm, was pure bliss. The bread was incredibly moist, the tartness of the cherries perfectly balanced by the sweet, nutty crunch of the almonds and a subtle hint of almond extract that tied everything together. It wasn’t too sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. Since then, it’s become a requested favorite, especially when fresh cherries are in season, though it works beautifully with frozen ones too. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both simple and sophisticated, a true joy to bake and even more of a joy to share.

The Enduring Appeal of Cherry Almond Bread: A Perfect Pairing

Cherry and almond is a classic flavor combination, beloved for its harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, tart notes, and nutty richness. When these two stars come together in a moist, tender quick bread, the result is nothing short of magical. This Cherry Almond Bread recipe captures that magic, offering a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day, from a special breakfast or brunch centerpiece to a comforting afternoon snack or a light dessert.

What makes this particular pairing so captivating? The juicy, slightly tart cherries provide bursts of vibrant flavor and beautiful color, while the almonds offer a delightful textural contrast with their satisfying crunch and subtle, buttery nuttiness. A hint of almond extract often deepens the almond flavor, creating a more complex and aromatic profile that complements the fruit beautifully. Unlike some overly sweet baked goods, a well-made Cherry Almond Bread strikes a perfect balance, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple to make yet impressive to serve. This recipe will guide you to create a loaf that’s not only visually appealing with its studded cherries and golden almond topping but also a true delight for the taste buds.

Why This Cherry Almond Bread Recipe Will Steal Your Heart

In the vast world of quick breads, some recipes stand out for their exceptional flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. This Cherry Almond Bread recipe is one such gem, destined to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire for several compelling reasons:

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination: The marriage of sweet-tart cherries and nutty almonds is a timeless classic. This recipe perfectly balances these flavors, enhanced by a subtle hint of almond extract, creating a taste that is both comforting and sophisticated.
2. Wonderfully Moist Crumb: Thanks to the right balance of wet and dry ingredients, and the moisture from the cherries themselves, this bread boasts an incredibly tender and moist crumb that stays delicious for days.
3. Textural Delight: Every bite offers a delightful interplay of textures – the soft, yielding bread, the juicy bursts of cherries, and the satisfying crunch of almonds both within the loaf and sprinkled on top.
4. Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appeal, this is a quick bread, meaning no yeast, no kneading, and no complicated steps. It comes together relatively quickly with basic pantry staples.
5. Visually Stunning: With vibrant cherries peeking through a golden-brown crumb and a generous topping of sliced almonds, this bread is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. It makes a lovely gift or centerpiece.
6. Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a delightful brunch addition, an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea, or even a light dessert.
7. Customizable: You can adapt it to your preferences, using fresh, frozen, or even dried cherries (with adjustments), and different types of almonds. You can also add a simple glaze if desired.
8. Aroma That Fills Your Home: The scent of this bread baking – warm, fruity, and nutty – is an experience in itself, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

This Cherry Almond Bread recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something truly special and delicious with minimal fuss, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy cravings.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cherry Almond Loaf

To create this delightful Cherry Almond Bread, gather the following ingredients. Using good quality components will ensure the best flavor and texture.

For the Bread Batter:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (you can use up to 1 cup for a sweeter bread)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, plain yogurt, or sour cream, at room temperature (adds moisture and tang)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ to 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (adjust to your preference for almond intensity)
• 1 ½ cups (approx. 225-250g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and roughly chopped or halved: If using frozen, do not thaw. You may want to toss them with 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture to prevent sinking.
• ½ cup (approx. 50g) sliced or slivered almonds, plus more for topping (toasted almonds can also be used for deeper flavor)

For the Optional Topping (Beyond Sliced Almonds):

• 1-2 tablespoons coarse sugar (like turbinado or demerara sugar): For a crunchy, sparkling top.
• Optional Almond Glaze (if desired, after baking):
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Ingredient Notes:

• Cherries: Fresh sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are wonderful when in season. Frozen cherries work exceptionally well; do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding too much color. Dried cherries can also be used, but you might want to plump them in warm water or juice first and reduce the amount to about 1 cup, as they are more concentrated.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds work best for texture and appearance. You can also add a ¼ cup of almond flour to the dry ingredients for a more tender crumb and enhanced almond flavor.
• Buttermilk/Yogurt/Sour Cream: These acidic dairy products react with the baking soda to create a tender crumb and add moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Almond Extract: This is potent, so start with ½ teaspoon and add more if you love a strong almond flavor.

Having your ingredients prepped and at the correct temperatures will contribute to the success of your bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Your Cherry Almond Bread

Follow these instructions carefully to bake a delicious and beautiful loaf of Cherry Almond Bread.

Phase 1: Preparation

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two longer sides to act as handles for easy removal.
2. Prepare Cherries and Almonds: If using fresh cherries, pit and roughly chop or halve them. If using frozen cherries, keep them frozen until ready to use. Measure out your almonds.
   • Tip to prevent sinking: If using fresh or frozen cherries, gently toss them in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of the measured all-purpose flour. This helps suspend them in the batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining all-purpose flour (2 cups minus the 1 tablespoon used for cherries, if applicable), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Phase 2: Mixing the Batter

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add Extracts: Beat in the pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract until combined.
4. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry ingredient mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk (or yogurt/sour cream) in two additions. Start and end with the dry ingredients. (Dry -> Wet -> Dry -> Wet -> Dry). Mix only until each addition is just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
5. Fold in Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold the prepared cherries (flour-coated, if you did that step) and ½ cup of sliced/slivered almonds into the batter using a rubber spatula, until just distributed. Again, be careful not to overmix.

Phase 3: Baking the Bread

1. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and spread the top gently with the spatula.
2. Add Topping: Sprinkle the top of the batter generously with additional sliced almonds. If desired, also sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of coarse sugar for a crunchy, sparkling crust.
3. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter). If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
4. Cool in Pan: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
5. Cool Completely on Rack: After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto the wire rack, or use the parchment paper handles to lift it out. Remove the parchment paper if used. Let the bread cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This is important for the texture and to prevent it from crumbling. This can take 2-3 hours.

Phase 4: Optional Glazing

1. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze (Optional): If you desire a glaze, wait until the bread is completely cool. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Add more milk/cream, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled bread. Let the glaze set before slicing.

Slice and enjoy your homemade Cherry Almond Bread!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

• Servings: This recipe typically yields 10-12 slices from a standard 9×5 inch loaf.
• Calories per serving (approximate for 1 of 12 slices, without optional glaze): A single slice can range from 280 to 350 calories.

Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary significantly based on several factors, including:

• The specific brands and types of ingredients used (e.g., fat content of yogurt/sour cream, type of cherries).
• The exact amount of sugar used.
• Whether or not an optional glaze is added.
• The final size of the slices.

This Cherry Almond Bread is a delightful treat. While it contains wholesome ingredients like fruit and nuts, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online recipe nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation and Baking Time: A Quick Bread Delight

Understanding the time commitment for this Cherry Almond Bread will help you plan your baking session:

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
  • This includes gathering and measuring ingredients, pitting/chopping cherries (if fresh), mixing the batter, and preparing the pan.
• Baking Time: Approximately 50-65 minutes.
  • Oven temperatures and loaf pan materials can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
• Cooling Time (Essential):
  • In Pan: 10-15 minutes.
  • On Wire Rack (Completely): Minimum 2-3 hours before slicing for best results (and before glazing, if using).
• Total Time (from start to being ready to slice, if cooled properly): Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes.

Planning Tip: While it’s a “quick bread” in terms of mixing and not requiring yeast proofing, the cooling time is crucial for the bread to set properly and allow for clean slicing. Plan to bake it when you have ample time for it to cool completely. It’s a great recipe to make a day ahead as the flavors often meld and improve overnight.

How to Serve Your Delicious Cherry Almond Bread

This Cherry Almond Bread is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Simply Sliced:
  • Warm: Enjoy a slice while it’s still slightly warm from the oven (after the initial 10-15 minute cool down in the pan) for a truly comforting experience. The melted pockets of cherry are divine.
  • Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, the flavors meld beautifully, and it slices neatly.
• With Spreads:
  • Butter: A classic pat of unsalted or salted butter enhances the richness.
  • Cream Cheese: A schmear of plain or even almond-flavored cream cheese adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
  • Almond Butter: For an extra dose of almond goodness.
  • Cherry Jam or Preserves: To amplify the cherry flavor.
• As Part of a Meal or Snack:
  • Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, or a smoothie for a complete meal.
  • Afternoon Tea/Coffee Break: The perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
  • Light Dessert: A lovely, not-too-heavy way to end a meal.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • On a Platter: Arrange slices neatly on a platter for gatherings.
  • Individual Servings: Place slices on small dessert plates.
  • Gifting: Wrap a whole cooled loaf in cellophane or a pretty tea towel, tie with a ribbon, and gift it to friends, neighbors, or colleagues. It makes a wonderful homemade present.
• Toasting (Optional):
  • Slightly older slices can be lightly toasted for a delightful crispy edge and to revive the aromas. Be careful not to burn the almonds.
• With a Glaze:
  • If you’ve added the optional almond glaze, it provides an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Cherry Almond Bread is sure to be a hit, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Additional Tips for Cherry Almond Bread Success

To ensure your Cherry Almond Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these five valuable tips:

1. Prevent Fruit from Sinking: To keep your cherries beautifully distributed throughout the loaf instead of sinking to the bottom, gently toss them (fresh or frozen, but not thawed if frozen) with 1-2 tablespoons of the measured flour from your recipe before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them “grip” the batter better.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for quick breads. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just incorporated. A few small streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense, and chewy bread rather than a tender, moist one. Fold in the cherries and nuts very gently at the end.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: For the best emulsion and a lighter texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and dairy (buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream) are at room temperature before you begin. Softened butter creams better with sugar, and room temperature eggs and dairy incorporate more evenly into the batter.
4. Customize Your Almonds: For an even deeper nutty flavor, toast your sliced or slivered almonds before adding them to the batter and sprinkling them on top. To do this, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully until fragrant and lightly golden. You can also incorporate ¼ cup of almond flour into your dry ingredients for an extra layer of almond flavor and a more tender crumb.
5. Tent with Foil if Over-Browning: If you notice the top of your bread (especially the almonds) is browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, loosely tent the loaf pan with a piece of aluminum foil. This will deflect some of the direct heat from the top, allowing the inside to continue baking without the crust burning.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking a truly exceptional loaf of Cherry Almond Bread that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cherry Almond Bread

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delightful Cherry Almond Bread:

1. Q: Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe? Do I need to thaw them first?
   • A: Yes, frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe! It’s actually best not to thaw them before adding them to the batter. Adding them frozen helps prevent them from bleeding too much color into the batter and can also help them maintain their shape better during baking. Tossing the frozen cherries with a tablespoon of flour (from the recipe’s measured amount) is highly recommended to prevent them from sinking.
2. Q: My cherries always sink to the bottom of my quick breads. How can I prevent this?
   • A: The most effective way to prevent cherries (or any fruit/add-ins) from sinking is to toss them with a small amount of the recipe’s flour before folding them into the batter. This light flour coating helps them adhere to the batter and remain suspended. Also, ensure your batter is not too thin, and avoid overmixing, which can deflate the batter.
3. Q: Can I make this Cherry Almond Bread gluten-free?
   • A: Yes, you likely can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum (or add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it, usually about ½ to 1 teaspoon for this amount of flour). The texture might be slightly different from a traditional wheat-based loaf, but it should still be delicious. Baking times might also vary slightly.
4. Q: How should I store leftover Cherry Almond Bread, and how long will it last?
   • A: Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
5. Q: Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
   • A: Yes, you can use dried cherries. Since dried cherries are more concentrated in flavor and smaller, you might want to use a slightly smaller quantity, perhaps 1 cup instead of 1 ½ cups. It’s also a good idea to plump them up first by soaking them in warm water, juice (like orange or apple), or even a bit of almond liqueur for about 15-30 minutes. Drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. Tossing them in flour is still a good idea.

Beyond the Recipe: The Joy of Baking and Sharing Cherry Almond Bread

This Cherry Almond Bread is more than just a simple recipe; it’s an invitation to create something truly delightful that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from transforming basic pantry staples into a beautiful, aromatic loaf studded with vibrant fruit and crunchy nuts.

Imagine the comforting aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, a sweet promise of the treat to come. Picture slicing into the warm, tender crumb, revealing the ruby-red cherries and delicate almonds within. Whether you enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, share it with friends over afternoon tea, or gift a loaf to a loved one, this bread is sure to bring smiles and create sweet memories.

The beauty of homemade quick breads like this one lies in their rustic charm and the personal touch you bring to them. Don’t be afraid to make it your own – perhaps by adding a hint of orange zest for a citrusy note, or a different type of nut if almonds aren’t your favorite. The core recipe is a fantastic canvas.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simple process, and enjoy the delicious journey of baking this Cherry Almond Bread. It’s a small effort for a wonderfully rewarding experience, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are indeed homemade. Happy baking!

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