Cherry Almond Bread – Moist, Sweet & Bakery-Style Flavor

Cherry Almond Bread is the kind of cozy, bakery-style treat that instantly brightens your kitchen. With its soft crumb, juicy cherries, and rich almond aroma, it’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and slightly elevate, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon coffee. This loaf stays wonderfully moist and slices beautifully, making it a great option for holiday gatherings, gifting, or weekly meal prep. If you love simple, homemade quick breads with big flavor, this one deserves a spot in your saved recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super moist texture with a tender crumb
• Packed with fresh or frozen cherries—no special prep needed
• Rich almond flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly
• Simple one-bowl batter that comes together in minutes
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead breakfasts
• Versatile enough to serve plain, glazed, or toasted with butter
• Beautiful presentation, perfect for holidays, brunch tables, and gifting

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Softened butter
• Large eggs
• Milk
• Almond extract
• Chopped fresh or frozen cherries
• Sliced almonds
• Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to blend.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, milk, and almond extract. Mix until a smooth batter forms—avoid over-mixing.
4. Fold in the chopped cherries and a handful of sliced almonds.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Add more sliced almonds on top for crunch and presentation.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Slice once completely cooled for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• If using frozen cherries, do not thaw—this prevents extra moisture in the batter.
• Swap almond extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter dessert-style loaf.
• For extra cherry flavor, fold in an additional half cup of fruit or add a swirl of cherry jam to the batter.
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 baking blend.
• Add a simple glaze using powdered sugar + milk + almond extract for a bakery finish.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days stored in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the toaster or microwave.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
• Pair with coffee, black tea, or a lightly sweetened iced latte.
• Top slices with whipped cream for a dessert-style treat.
• Add alongside a brunch spread featuring eggs, fruit salad, or yogurt bowls.
• Toast leftover slices to bring out the cherry and almond aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep cherry almond bread from turning out dry?

To keep this loaf moist, avoid overbaking and measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method. The cherries naturally add moisture, but baking the loaf until just cooked through ensures a tender, soft texture. Allowing the bread to cool before slicing also helps retain moisture rather than letting it escape through steam.

Can I use canned cherries?

Yes, but drain them very well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Too much moisture can make the bread dense or gummy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free milk and a vegan butter alternative. The flavor stays delicious, and the texture remains soft.

Can I bake this into mini loaves or muffins?

Yes! Mini loaves take around 22–25 minutes, and muffins bake in 18–20 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Ready to Make It?

This Cherry Almond Bread brings together sweet cherries, fragrant almond, and a perfectly soft crumb, an irresistible combination whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or save it for breakfast all week. If you love homemade quick breads, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.

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