Cherry-Almond Bread
A moist cherry-almond bread featuring sweet cherries and crunchy almonds, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime with a flavorful almond aroma and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, softened butter, and eggs until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture with the buttermilk.
- Stir in the chopped almonds, chopped maraschino cherries, and almond extract.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick.
- Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary. You can also use pecans or walnuts in place of almonds if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Cherry-Almond Bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve it with a spread of cream cheese or butter, and pair it with a cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Quick Chocolate Mousse With Raspberries or Amish Dessert. Slice it thick for a heartier bite!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry-Almond Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Almond Bread contains roughly 2979 calories, with 68g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 235g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (136% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter. Fresh cherries will give the bread a different flavor profile and texture, making it a delightful variation.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cherry-Almond Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking soda and almond extract, are gluten-free as well. This will help maintain the bread's texture and flavor.
What should I do if my bread is too dry?
If your Cherry-Almond Bread turns out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or incorrect measurements. To remedy this, serve it with a drizzle of honey or syrup to add moisture. You can also enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).