Cherry Almond Loaf Recipe

I’m absolutely obsessed with this cherry almond loaf because it’s the perfect balance of moist, buttery texture with bursts of tart cherries and a delightful almond crunch. Plus, the heavenly aroma that fills my kitchen during baking is seriously the ultimate comfort and totally Instagram-worthy!

I enjoy making twists on classic recipes, and this Cherry Almond Loaf is a perfect example. It starts with the rich creaminess of softened unsalted butter.

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup, but you could easily use 1/2 cup of any fat you like, including a blend of butter and cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or even a nut butter. The fruit component is next.

Use either fresh or frozen cherries, about 1 cup. Keep in mind that the sweetness in this loaf comes largely from the 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, so if you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they were not packed in any kind of syrup.

The nutty flavor of this loaf comes from both a solid 1 teaspoon of almond extract (don’t skimp) and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, which is a somewhat unconventional use of almonds in a “loaf.”

Ingredients

Butter without salt: Contributes a deep flavor and an outstanding level of moisture, not to mention the creamy smoothness that defines our cupcakes.

Sugar that is in granulated form: It provides the desired sweetness to the loaf while also helping to assure that the loaf will have the proper tenderness.

Almond Extract: Boosts the nutty aroma and flavor, providing an exceptional taste.

All-purpose flour: Delivers the structure, balancing moisture and density.

Cherries: Offers an array of natural sugars and an amazing amount of juiciness and are rich in antioxidants.

Almonds are crunchy and nutty.

They add protein and good fats and help make the cookies a little chewier.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing and flouring it, or by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar, and beat them together until they are light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each is added. Blend in the almond extract.

4. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are uniformly mixed.

5. Slowly incorporate the dry components into the wet elements, alternating with the milk, and ensuring to start and finish with the flour blend. Combine until the mixture reaches a state just above blissfully smooth, and do not overstress the ingredients to an overmixed state.

6. Fold in the halved cherries and sliced almonds very gently, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter.

7. Put the batter in the ready loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly.

8. For a decorative touch, you might add a few more sliced almonds on top.

9. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended by your bread recipe. Place your loaf (in its tin, if you’re using one) on the middle rack and close the door. After the aroma of baking bread fills the kitchen, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. A clean pick means the bread is ready; if the pick comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack, where it will finish cooling and become safe enough to cut into slices. Once you go through that same motion of cutting, you can go through the same motion of serving. And in either case, you can enjoy the mesmerizing aroma that permeates your space.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Loaf pan
3. Mixing bowls (at least two)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Electric mixer or whisk
7. Spatula
8. Whisk
9. Toothpick
10. Wire rack
11. Parchment paper or butter and flour for greasing
12. Knife (for halving cherries and slicing the finished bread)

FAQ

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?You can use salted butter, but cut the added salt down to a pinch. This is what you should do if you want to use salted butter but maintain flavor balance.
• Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?Vanilla extract may be utilized, but the flavor will change a bit, resulting in a more classic vanilla loaf taste.
• How can I ensure the loaf is moist?Ensure that the batter is not mixed too much, utilize ingredients that are fresh, and avoid baking for too long. To check if the cake is done, employ the toothpick method.
• How should I store the Cherry Almond Loaf?An airtight container at room temperature provides the loaf with a 3-day span of safe storage. Refrigerator storage is safe for up to a week.
• Can I use frozen cherries?Certainly! Just remember to allow them to thaw and to drain them to keep the batter from getting too wet.
• Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can certainly be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Can I make this loaf nut-free?Certainly, just leave out the sliced almonds or substitute sunflower seeds for a nut-free rendition of the recipe.

Substitutions and Variations

Coconut oil or margarine can be used to substitute unsalted butter. Use these in the same amount as the butter for which they are substituting.
Granulated sugar: For an equal amount, use brown sugar or coconut sugar to obtain a deeper flavor profile.
Almond extract: Replace with vanilla extract for a flavor that is less pronounced.
All-purpose flour: Substitute with an equal blend of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Milk: Replace with any plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk to render it dairy-free.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, ensuring a uniform batter that leads to a better crumb in the finished loaf.

2. Prevent Sinking To prevent the cherries and almonds from sinking to the bottom, you can toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This technique helps them stay distributed throughout the loaf.

3. Gentle Mixing When combining the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender texture.

4. Test for Doneness While a toothpick test is a reliable method, you can also lightly press the top of the loaf. If it springs back, it’s likely done. You can combine this with the toothpick test for accuracy.

5. Enhance Almond Flavor For an extra burst of almond flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely chopped or ground almonds to the dry ingredients. This can intensify the nutty taste throughout the loaf.