Delicious cherry almond bread is the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and nutty aroma. With its tender crumb, bursts of juicy maraschino cherries, and subtle almond flavor, this quick bread makes an irresistible addition to your baking rotation. Whether served with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it offers both comfort and a touch of elegance. Ready in just over an hour, it’s an easy and crowd-pleasing treat. Let’s dive into what makes this cherry almond bread a must-bake recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Bread Recipe
This cherry almond bread is more than just a quick bread—it’s a delightful indulgence. The sweet-tart maraschino cherries paired with fragrant almond extract deliver a flavor that’s straight out of a bakery, yet incredibly simple to make. Its moist texture, beautiful pink tint, and light powdered sugar dusting make it visually appealing for brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Best of all, it requires no fancy equipment and comes together quickly using pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, chopped, with juice reserved
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Almond Bread
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 325°F. Spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of oil using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and 1/2 cup of maraschino cherry juice (top off with water if needed). Mix until well combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a different bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture.
- Fold in Cherries: Use a spatula or spoon to gently incorporate the chopped cherries by hand, preserving their texture.
- Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the loaves to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before removing. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Be sure to chop the cherries evenly so they distribute well throughout the batter.
- Avoid overmixing once the flour is added; this ensures the bread remains tender.
- Line your pans with parchment for easy removal and a cleaner presentation.
- For a little crunch, add sliced almonds on top before baking.
Substitutions And Variations
- Oil: Substitute melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Cherries: Use fresh pitted cherries or dried cherries rehydrated in warm water for a different texture.
- Flour: Try using whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier taste.
- Glaze: Replace the powdered sugar with an almond glaze made from powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk for added sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Store cherry almond bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days. To enjoy later, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 83mg
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream. This bread pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and makes a charming addition to any brunch spread. To elevate the dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cherry syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Almond Bread
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Definitely. Fresh pitted cherries work well, but be mindful—they might introduce extra moisture. Chop and dry them slightly before use.
Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes! Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy a gluten-free version of this treat.
Is this bread overly sweet? Not at all. The flavor is nicely balanced between the tart cherries and the mellow nuttiness of almond extract.
Can I make this into muffins? Yes, just adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes and use muffin liners.
Can I skip the almond extract? Almond extract gives the bread its signature flavor. You can reduce it but skipping entirely will alter the taste significantly.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in creating this delightful cherry almond bread. It’s a recipe I return to often for its simplicity and irresistible taste. With its moist texture, pops of cherry, and warm almond essence, it’s sure to win over your taste buds. I truly hope you find joy in baking and sharing it. Wishing you many happy moments in the kitchen—and thank you for being a cherished part of this food-loving community!
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Delicious Cherry Almond Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Almond Bread is a sweet and soft quick bread loaded with chopped maraschino cherries and rich almond flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for breakfast or dessert, and comes together in just over an hour. A crowd-pleaser for any occasion—bake it today!
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (8-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, chopped, juice reserved
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 325°F. Spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of oil using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and 1/2 cup of maraschino cherry juice (top off with water if needed). Mix until well combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a different bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture.
- Fold in Cherries: Use a spatula or spoon to gently incorporate the chopped cherries by hand, preserving their texture.
- Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the loaves to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before removing. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Chop cherries evenly for best distribution.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread soft.
Add sliced almonds on top for extra texture.
You can also use fresh or dried cherries as a variation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 184
- Sugar: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g