Cherry Almond Bread
The aroma of freshly baked Cherry Almond Bread fills your home, wrapping you in a warm embrace of nostalgia and comfort. Imagine biting into a slice that’s perfectly moist, with bursts of sweet cherries married with the nutty essence of almonds. This delightful bread is not only fast to prepare but also brings a touch of elegance to any breakfast table or dessert spread. With its beautiful marbling of ruby-red cherries against a golden background, this recipe is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul. Make any gathering special with this easy-to-follow, kid-friendly recipe that promises to tickle the taste buds of everyone in your family.
Are you ready to indulge in a slice of heaven?
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday morning, and you have the entire day ahead of you. You’re sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee when the thought of a sweet, indulgent treat crosses your mind. Wouldn’t a warm slice of Cherry Almond Bread, with its cozy flavors and pleasing texture, be the perfect companion to your leisurely day? The mix of cherries and almonds evokes happy childhood memories, making it an irresistible option for any occasion—be it a family brunch or a potluck gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Almond Bread is not just a heavenly treat; it’s easy to whip up and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Its fluffy texture paired with juicy cherries brings pleasure with every bite, while the subtle crunch of sliced almonds adds an exciting layer of texture. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re feeding a group or simply want leftovers for the week, this bread ticks all the boxes for delightful indulgence.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the delightful components of this Cherry Almond Bread, each ingredient plays a key role in creating that mouthwatering experience you crave.
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Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and protein, creating a tender crumb you won’t forget.
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Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang that enriches the flavor profile without overpowering the sweet elements.
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Fresh or Canned Cherries: These ruby gems burst with juiciness, offering a sweet-tart taste that perfectly complements the almond flavor.
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Almond Extract: Just a few drops give this bread an irresistible aroma that smells just like baking memories.
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Sliced Almonds: Their crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the softness of the bread.
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Flour: The foundation of the bread, providing the necessary structure.
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Baking Powder: Your magic leavening agent, making the bread rise and become fluffy.
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Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-balanced sweetness.
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Eggs: In addition to moisture, they add richness and help bind your ingredients together.
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Butter: Adds a luscious depth that enriches the overall flavor while contributing a buttery aroma when baking.
Timing
Whipping up this Cherry Almond Bread is a matter of convenience. In less than 15 minutes, you can have the batter ready to go! With a baking time of around 50-60 minutes, you can indulge yourself in the warm scent of cherries and almonds wafting through your kitchen. It’s fast enough for a spontaneous craving but luxurious enough to elevate any occasion.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat and Prep: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat it to 350°F. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang for easy removal. Mist the corners with baking spray and sprinkle sliced almonds at the bottom for added texture.
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Whisk Away: In a large bowl, whisk room temperature eggs until they become foamy and light. Gradually stream in melted butter while continuing to whisk, creating a creamy mixture. Stir in Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and almond extract until everything is smooth and harmonious.
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Dry Meets Wet: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three additions. The resulting batter should be thick yet spoonable—perfect for holding those luscious cherries.
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Cherry Time: Toss fresh or canned cherries with cornstarch, then gently fold them into your batter along with those sliced almonds. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain those beautiful cherry chunks.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness; if it comes out clean, your Cherry Almond Bread is ready to shine!
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Cool and Store: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. It’s perfect for enjoying later or sharing with friends!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of Cherry Almond Bread provides approximately 250 calories. While it is indeed a treat, its wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and cherries offer some nutritional benefits, making occasional indulgence guilt-free and enjoyable.
Healthier Alternatives
For healthier versions of this Cherry Almond Bread, consider substituting low-sugar sweeteners or using dairy-free yogurt and butter. Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option, while applesauce can replace some of the butter for a deliciously moist loaf with reduced fat content.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Almond Bread stands beautifully on its own, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. During holidays, drizzle with a light glaze for that festive touch or simply pair with a morning cup of coffee to enhance your breakfast experience.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls while baking your Cherry Almond Bread:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bread; nobody wants dry loaves!
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Texture Issues: Be cautious with the folding process—overmixing can lead to a dense and heavy loaf instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire.
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Messes: Use bowls that are large enough to mix without spilling over; that way, you’ll keep your kitchen tidy!
Storing Tips
This Cherry Almond Bread can be stored easily. Wrap leftover portions tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or toaster oven, bringing back their delightful warmth.
Tempt Yourself to Bake It ASAP
You’ve read about the layers of flavor and textures, and now it’s time to turn those mouthwatering fantasies into reality. Don your apron, gather those ingredients, and prepare for the enchanting aromas that will waft through your home. You simply can’t resist baking this Cherry Almond Bread—it’s a treat that nourishes both body and soul.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour mix, ensuring that it’s a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
3. How should I store the leftover bread?
Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
4. Can I add other nuts or fruits to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in walnuts or dried fruits for added variety.
5. Is it possible to make mini loaves?
Yes! Simply adjust the baking time based on the size of your mini loaf pan—check for doneness a bit earlier.
Embrace the joy that Cherry Almond Bread brings—bake it, share it, and enjoy it with those you love!
Print
Cherry Almond Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and delicious bread filled with sweet cherries and the nutty essence of almonds, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Fresh or Canned Cherries, pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy, then stream in melted butter and mix in Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and almond extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture.
- Toss cherries with cornstarch and gently fold into the batter along with sliced almonds.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour mix. Can use frozen cherries if thawed and patted dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
