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This homemade cherry-almond bread packs sweet cherries and nutty almond flavors into a soft, juicy loaf. When you smell the mix of almonds and cherries baking, you'll think you're at a fancy European bakery. Cut a slice and you'll see bright fruit chunks scattered through the soft, golden inside.
Our baking group can't get enough of this loaf. It's got that fancy European pastry vibe with its almond flavor and cherry bits, but it's actually pretty easy for anyone to make at home.
Main Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: Grab the full-fat kind for the juiciest bread
- Buttermilk: Makes everything soft with a tiny bit of tang; mix milk with lemon juice if you don't have any
- Cherries: Fresh ones work great, but so do canned ones if you drain them well
- Almond extract: Go easy - a little goes a long way when it's baked
- Sliced almonds: Toast them first for extra flavor
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Baking Steps
- Get Ready
- Put your rack in the middle and warm the oven to 350°F. Put parchment in your pan with extra hanging out for handles. Spray the bare corners with baking spray. Put almonds on the bottom.
- Mix Wet Stuff
- Whip eggs until fluffy. Slowly pour in melted butter while mixing. Add yogurt, buttermilk and extracts until everything's smooth.
- Make Your Batter
- Sift dry stuff together. Add it to wet mix in three batches, just barely mixing. Your batter should be thick but still easy to pour.
- Put In Fruit and Nuts
- Roll cherries in cornstarch. Keep some for the top. Gently stir in fruit and nuts without mixing too much so the batter stays nice.
After trying this bread many different ways, I found that coating cherries with cornstarch really helps them stay put throughout the loaf.
Morning Delight
There's nothing better than waking up to the smell of cherry and almond bread filling your kitchen.
Ways to Enjoy
Give it a quick warm-up and add some butter on top - the warmth really brings out that almond flavor.
This quick bread works for everyday snacking or fancy get-togethers. Cherries and almonds just go together so well, making a cozy but special treat that's perfect with breakfast or afternoon coffee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen cherries replace fresh ones?
- Yep! Thaw them fully first and drain off any extra juice before mixing them into the batter.
- → How should I store the loaf?
- After it cools, wrap it well in plastic and leave it on the counter to keep it fresh.
- → What if I want a thicker glaze?
- Just mix in more powdered sugar until it’s as thick as you like.
- → Can I make buttermilk at home?
- Sure! Add half a tablespoon of lemon juice to a half cup of milk, then let it sit until it curdles.
- → How do I know the bread’s fully baked?
- Poke the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s good to go. Usually takes around 50-60 minutes.