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This homemade cherry-almond loaf blends sweet cherries with nutty almond flavors in a soft, juicy bread. The wonderful mix of nuttiness and fruit creates a memorable snack that feels like something from a fancy European shop. Cut into it and you'll find bursts of bright cherries tucked inside the light, golden bread.
The bread has now become a favorite at our community baking group. Those gentle almond hints and cherry chunks make everyone think of fancy European treats, but it's actually pretty easy for home cooks to pull off.
Main Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: Stick with whole-fat for the best moisture and feel
- Buttermilk: Adds softness and slight tang; mix milk with lemon juice as a backup
- Cherries: Either fresh ones or drained canned cherries work great
- Almond extract: Go light - the flavor gets stronger as it bakes
- Sliced almonds: Brown them first for extra nutty goodness
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Cooking Steps
- Get Everything Ready
- Put rack in middle and warm oven to 350°F. Set parchment in pan with extra hanging out as handles. Spray open corners with cooking spray. Put almonds on pan bottom.
- Mix Wet Stuff
- Whip eggs until fluffy. Slowly add melted butter. Mix in yogurt, buttermilk and extracts until everything's smooth.
- Create Your Batter
- Mix dry stuff together. Add to wet mix in three batches just until mixed. Your batter should be thick but still easy to pour.
- Put In Fruit and Nuts
- Coat cherries with cornstarch. Keep some for the top. Gently add fruit and nuts with minimal stirring to keep batter nice.
After lots of trial runs, we found that dusting the cherries with cornstarch was key to getting them spread evenly through the whole loaf.
Morning Delight
There's nothing better than waking up to the amazing smell of almond and cherry bread filling your kitchen early in the day.
Ways to Enjoy
Give it a quick warm-up and add some butter - the warmth really brings out that subtle almond flavor.
This adaptable quick bread works for both everyday snacking and special moments. When cherries meet almonds, you get a fancy but cozy treat that fits right in at breakfast or afternoon coffee time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
- Of course! Just let those cherries thaw and drain any liquid so the batter stays right.
- → What’s a good way to store this loaf?
- Once cooled completely, wrap it up tightly in plastic and keep at room temp.
- → How do I make a glaze thicker?
- Go heavier on the powdered sugar—add a little more at a time until it thickens up.
- → What can I use if I’m out of buttermilk?
- Easy fix! Mix 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice into 1/2 cup of milk, let it sit for a few minutes, and it’s good to go.
- → How do I check if the bread’s baked through?
- Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done—this takes around 50-60 minutes in the oven.