Delightful Cherry Almond Bread – Quick and Delicious

I’ll never forget the first time I baked a loaf of Cherry Almond Bread. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had a sudden craving for something warm, comforting, and just a little bit fancy. I scanned my pantry, and the vibrant red cherries and bag of sliced almonds caught my eye. Before I knew it, I was in the kitchen, mixing up the batter and filling the air with the most tantalizing aroma.

When that first slice came out of the oven, it was like magic. The golden crust gave way to a tender, moist crumb studded with juicy cherries and crunchy almonds. It was love at first bite, and I knew I had discovered a new favorite. Since then, I’ve baked this Cherry Almond Bread more times than I can count, and it’s always a hit with family and friends.

Why This Cherry Almond Bread Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Almond Bread

The secret to this Cherry Almond Bread recipe is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cherries provide a lovely tartness that’s perfectly complemented by the nutty sweetness of the almonds. And the addition of melted butter makes the bread supremely moist and tender, with a delightful crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique. By gently folding the cherries and almonds into the batter, you avoid crushing the delicate fruit and ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. And the simple baking method ensures that the bread bakes up tall, with a beautiful, golden-brown crust that’s impossible to resist.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cherry Almond Bread, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the bread, giving it a tender crumb and just the right amount of chew.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The perfect sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise to towering heights, creating that beautiful, domed top.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small but essential touch that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The secret to the moist, tender texture that makes this bread so irresistible.
• 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and gives it a lovely, tender crumb.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved: The star of the show, providing pops of juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to every bite.

Step-by-Step Cherry Almond Bread Instructions

Preparing Your Cherry Almond Bread

This Cherry Almond Bread is a breeze to make, with a total time of just 70 minutes from start to finish. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and a little bit of elbow grease. Let’s get started!

1- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and milk until fully incorporated.

3- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

4- Fold in the fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved, and the sliced almonds until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

6- Bake the Cherry Almond Bread at 350°F for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Be gentle when folding in the cherries and almonds – you don’t want to crush the delicate fruit.
2. Use room temperature ingredients for the best rise and texture.
3. Swap out the cherries for a different type of fruit, like blueberries or diced apples, for a fun twist.
4. Sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top of the batter before baking for a beautiful, crunchy topping.

Serving and Storing Your Cherry Almond Bread

Perfect Pairings for Cherry Almond Bread

This Cherry Almond Bread is a real showstopper, serving up 12 generous slices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and it also makes a wonderful addition to a weekend brunch spread. For a delightful dessert, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is doubtful, but just in case!), you can store the Cherry Almond Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the bread at room temperature, then warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also slice and toast individual servings straight from the freezer.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Almond Bread

Creative Cherry Almond Bread Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun twists on the classic Cherry Almond Bread:

• Swap the cherries for fresh or frozen raspberries for a burst of bright, tangy flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped dark chocolate chips for a decadent, indulgent twist.
• Stir in a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra punch of nutty goodness.
• Top the batter with a streusel of brown sugar, cinnamon, and more sliced almonds before baking.

Making Cherry Almond Bread Diet-Friendly

For a gluten-free version, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For a vegan twist, use plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup and swap the all-purpose flour for a low-carb alternative, like almond flour or coconut flour. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and amount of liquid as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
A: While fresh or frozen cherries are ideal, you can certainly use canned cherries in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before folding them into the batter.

Q: How long does it take to bake the Cherry Almond Bread?
A: The total baking time for this recipe is 55 minutes. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I make the Cherry Almond Bread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. See the “Storage and Make-Ahead Tips” section for detailed instructions.

Q: How many servings does this Cherry Almond Bread recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 generous servings of Cherry Almond Bread. Adjust the recipe as needed to accommodate your crowd.

Q: What should I do if the top of the bread is browning too quickly?
A: If the top of the bread is browning faster than the inside is cooking, simply cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will prevent the top from over-browning while allowing the center to bake through.

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Conclusion

This Cherry Almond Bread is a true delight, with its moist, tender crumb, bursts of juicy cherries, and crunchy sliced almonds. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or looking for a comforting afternoon snack.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Cherry Almond Bread for yourself. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to share your creation on social media using the hashtag #CherryAlmondBread. Bon appétit!