Save to Pinterest A moist festive quick bread studded with juicy cherries and fragrant almonds — perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a simple elegant treat.
This loaf always brings warmth and joy to my family gatherings every holiday season.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients: ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp almond extract
- Add-ins: 1 cup (150 g) fresh or thawed frozen cherries pitted and halved (or use well-drained maraschino cherries), ½ cup (60 g) sliced almonds plus more for topping
- Optional Topping: 2 tbsp sliced almonds, 2 tbsp coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Beat in eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mix just until combined. Pour in the milk then add the remaining dry ingredients stirring gently until just incorporated.
- Fold in Add-ins:
- Fold in cherries and sliced almonds.
- Prepare Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Save to Pinterest Baking this loaf creates cherished moments shared with loved ones over a warm slice of bread and good conversation.
Notes
For a glazed finish drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled. Try adding orange zest for a citrus note. Delicious served with tea or coffee.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan mixing bowls electric mixer or whisk measuring cups and spoons rubber spatula parchment paper wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per slice based on 10 slices calories 235 total fat 10 g carbohydrates 32 g protein 4 g
Save to Pinterest This cherry almond loaf is a simple elegant treat that brightens any occasion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well if thawed and drained before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for sliced almonds?
Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a similar nutty crunch if almonds are unavailable or restricted.
- → How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
- → Can I add a glaze or topping?
A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled once cooled for extra sweetness and shine.
- → Is it possible to add citrus flavor?
Yes, adding orange zest to the batter adds a bright, fresh note that complements cherries and almonds nicely.