Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Almond Cherry Bread is a delightful treat combining tart cherries with rich almond flavor. Moist and tender, it’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. With a simple glaze on top, it’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain strained yogurt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups cherries, fresh or canned
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For Almond Glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 to 2 tbsp cream
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 ½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with nonstick baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, melted butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and sugar. Beat on medium speed for a few minutes until the eggs are well incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on medium speed for about one minute until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pit and quarter the cherries. Toss them with the cornstarch to prevent sinking. Add the cherries and sliced almonds to the batter, reserving some for the top. Fold them in gently by hand.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Scatter the reserved cherries and almonds on top for a decorative finish.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and cream until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor or canned cherries drained well for convenience.
• Try substituting the almond extract with orange extract for a different citrus twist.
• For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding them to the batter and topping the bread.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Storage

Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw and drain them thoroughly, then toss with cornstarch before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

This Easy Almond Cherry Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with fresh or canned cherries, Greek yogurt, almond extract, and topped with a sweet almond glaze, it combines fruity tartness with nutty richness in every bite. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 ½-inch) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Cherry Almond Bread:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plain strained yogurt)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups cherries, fresh or canned
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For Almond Glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 to 2 tbsp cream
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 ½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, melted butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for a few minutes until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents in the batter.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat on medium speed for about one minute until the flour is fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
5. Prepare Cherries and Nuts: Pit the cherries if needed and cut them into quarters. Toss the cherries in cornstarch to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Add these cherries along with sliced almonds into the batter, folding them in gently by hand. Reserve some cherries and almonds to decorate the top of the bread.
6. Fill Pan and Add Toppings: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Evenly distribute the reserved cherries and sliced almonds over the batter for a beautiful presentation.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and take it out of the loaf pan. Place the bread on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
9. Prepare Almond Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and cream until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar if necessary.
10. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the almond glaze generously over the cooled bread. Slice and enjoy your delightful almond cherry loaf.
11. Storage: Once cooled and glazed, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Notes

• Fresh or canned cherries can be used; if canned, drain them well before using.
• Tossing cherries in cornstarch helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
• For a thicker glaze, add more confectioner’s sugar; for a thinner glaze, add more cream.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting.
• You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
• Store bread wrapped at room temperature and consume within 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Almond Cherry Bread, Cherry Bread recipe, almond glaze, quick bread, homemade bread, fruit bread, easy baking