Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe to Savor Today
If you’re looking for a bread that feels like a hug in every bite, you’ve found it with this Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe. Bursting with juicy cherries and a lovely almond crunch, it’s a perfect companion for morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat. This recipe is straightforward, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers a moist, flavorful loaf that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute baking cravings.
- Nutty and Fruity Flavor Combination: The almonds add a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of cherries.
- Versatile Snack or Breakfast: Whether toasted, plain, or with a spread, this bread fits any time of the day.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of easily accessible ingredients to create a delicious loaf.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the cherries and almond flour, this bread stays soft and flavorful for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in not only the flavor and texture but also the bread’s beautiful color and moist crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the bread structure and a tender crumb.
- Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and moisture while keeping the bread soft.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely vibrant hue inside the bread.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread gently without overpowering the natural fruit flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a rich texture.
- Butter or Oil: Enhances moisture and gives the bread a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- Almond Extract: Boosts the nutty aroma and flavor to complement the cherries perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Variations for Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe
One of the best things about this Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.
- Nut-Free Variation: Replace almond flour with oat flour and omit almond extract for a similar texture without nuts.
- Chocolate Cherry Bread: Stir in dark chocolate chips to add a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based loaf.
- Cranberry Swap: Use dried or fresh cranberries instead of cherries for a tart, festive flavor.
How to Make Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. Wash and pit your cherries if fresh, or thaw frozen ones. Measure all your ingredients accurately to ensure the perfect texture and flavor blend.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Together Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and fluffy. Then add softened butter or oil and almond extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries
Carefully incorporate the cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing. This helps keep juicy pockets throughout the bread.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This allows everything to combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Skip the Almond Extract: It enhances the nutty flavor wonderfully and complements the cherries perfectly.
- Pat Dry the Cherries: If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to prevent soggy batter.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your bread bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Test Doneness Timely: Start checking your bread 10 minutes before the timer’s done to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking or dust with powdered sugar once cooled. A light glaze made from almond extract and powdered sugar also adds a delightful shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread shines when paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy break.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve warm with butter and honey, or cut into cubes for a sweet breakfast bread pudding. You can also toast slices and top with ricotta and fresh berries for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing
To enjoy later, slice and wrap portions individually in plastic wrap, then store in a resealable freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm them briefly in a toaster or oven at low heat to restore that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cherries can be used, but be sure to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to prevent the bread from becoming dry.
Is almond flour necessary in this recipe?
While almond flour adds unique flavor and moisture, you can substitute with additional all-purpose flour if needed, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to keep the texture similar without gluten.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
When properly stored, the bread stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans work well as substitutes or additions to enhance the nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe is truly a joyful treat to make and eat. Its simple ingredients and effortless process mean you can enjoy warm, flavorful bread any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to for breakfast or snack time!
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Easy Almond Cherry Bread Recipe
This Easy Almond Cherry Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with juicy cherries and a nutty almond crunch. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or paired with coffee, it’s a quick and simple recipe using minimal pantry staples that yields a tender, delicious bread you’ll love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend and substitutions)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper. If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them; if frozen, thaw and pat dry. Measure all ingredients accurately.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Together Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until pale and fluffy. Add softened butter or oil and almond extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Cherries: Carefully incorporate the cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing to preserve juicy pockets.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don’t skip the almond extract, it enhances the nutty flavor and complements the cherries.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and pat dry to avoid soggy batter.
- Check oven temperature with a thermometer for even baking.
- Start testing doneness 10 minutes before end of baking time to prevent overbaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: almond cherry bread, easy bread recipe, almond flour bread, cherry bread, gluten-free bread, quick bread, breakfast bread, nutty bread