Cherry Almond Quick Bread

This Cherry Almond Quick Bread is a delightful, moist, and flavorful loaf infused with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh cherries, enhanced by the subtle nuttiness of almonds. Ideal as a breakfast treat or a comforting afternoon snack, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal baking experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.

• Moist and tender texture, bursting with fresh cherries and crunchy almonds.

• Perfect accompaniment for tea, coffee, or a weekend brunch.

• Customizable to fit various taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Almond extract

• Sour cream or plain yogurt

• Fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

• Sliced almonds

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream or yogurt, whisking until smooth.

4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

5. Carefully fold in the chopped cherries and half of the sliced almonds.

6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining almonds on top.

7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 8–10 slices.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

• Glazed Cherry Almond Bread: Drizzle a simple almond or vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.

• Chocolate Cherry Almond Bread: Add half a cup of chocolate chips to enhance the flavor.

• Nut-Free Option: Omit almonds entirely for those with nut allergies, substituting them with chocolate chips or shredded coconut.

• Whole Wheat Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for additional fiber and nutrients.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store Cherry Almond Quick Bread at room temperature, tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast lightly in a toaster oven for added texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture before folding into the batter.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

Yes, almond extract can be substituted with an equal amount of vanilla extract; however, it will alter the almond flavor slightly.

How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.

Why did my cherries sink to the bottom?

To prevent cherries from sinking, lightly coat them in flour before folding them into the batter.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, portion the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes.

Is it possible to use dried cherries?

Dried cherries can be used; soak them briefly in warm water or juice to rehydrate slightly before adding them to the batter.

Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes a suitable and slightly healthier substitution.

Why did my bread turn out dry?

Dry bread usually results from overbaking or incorrect measurement of ingredients, particularly flour. Ensure accurate measurements and follow the recommended baking times.

Can I add spices to the bread?

Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom pair well with cherries and almonds. Add around half a teaspoon to the dry ingredients.

Is almond flour suitable for this recipe?

Partially substituting almond flour (up to half the total flour amount) works well and enhances almond flavor but may slightly change the texture and rise of the bread.

Conclusion

This Cherry Almond Quick Bread recipe offers a delightful blend of sweetness and nuttiness, perfect for enhancing any meal or snack time. Easy to customize and requiring minimal effort, this loaf is sure to become a favorite treat in your household

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