There are some flavors that seem to go together so perfectly, and cherries and almond happen to fit into that category. In this sweet, cake-like bread the essence of almond permeates the bread and the bright cherries give a burst of fruitiness that accentuates it even more. It is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The bread is moist and flavorful, with a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Make Cherry Almond Bread
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a standard-size loaf pan and set it aside.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Gently fold in the chopped and patted dry cherries. This helps to distribute the cherries evenly and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the large egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense and tough.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Notes
- Cherries: Ensure cherries are well-patted dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
- Mixing: Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread; it should come out clean when done.
Almost Cake: Cherry Almond Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes 1 loaf
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Moist and flavorful, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Enjoy warm with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
- 1/3 cups (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cups (120 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) almond extract
- 1 cups (150 g) cherries, coarsely chopped and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Grease a standard-size loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold in the chopped and patted dry cherries.
- In another bowl, whisk together the large egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just moistened.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a more intense almond flavor, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the batter.
- If fresh cherries are unavailable, you can substitute 1 cup of frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry).
- Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for optimal freshness, storing at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this a bread rather than a cake, and how does that affect the texture?
The batter uses less sugar and fat than a typical cake and relies on baking powder for lift rather than creamed butter and sugar. The result is a denser, slightly chewier crumb that still has the almond and cherry flavors you would expect in a dessert.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried or jarred ones?
Fresh cherries are what this bread uses — coarsely chop them and pat them dry before folding into the batter to keep out excess moisture. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry) work as a substitute.
Should I toast the almonds before adding them to the batter?
Toasting deepens the almond flavor noticeably. Spread them on a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then cool completely before mixing in.
Has anyone tried subbing in some almond meal for part of the flour here? Maybe a cup of almond meal to a cup and a half of regular flour, just to lean more almond.
Really good, my family loved it. Thanks!
The best almost cake bread I have ever tasted!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! I made this today using left over cooked cherries (they were previously frozen) (1-1/4 cups) (the cooked cherries had a little cinnamon and orange juice and zest of orange) and did not use the almond extract (we’re not fans of it) but I increased the vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons (my son makes it for me!) It was so moist and delicious!! This is definitely a family fave and I will absolutely make this again! I love that it came together so quickly and after 40 minutes it made my house smell so great!!
Hi ,
Can I use dried cherries & if so, should I soak them first?
Hi,
Can I use dried cherries & if so, should I soak them first?