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Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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