Easy Almond Cherry Bread

This Easy Almond Cherry Bread is perfect for those who adore a simple yet delicious homemade treat. The delightful mixture of almonds and vibrant cherries makes every bite a little celebration. As you slice into the golden crust, you’ll find a soft, moist interior that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for the perfect loaf to serve at brunch or a snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe has you covered. Plus, with ingredients like Greek yogurt and buttermilk, every slice is not just yummy, but also rich in flavor and texture. Let’s get our baking gear ready and embark on this delicious journey together!

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Almond Cherry Bread combines the rich flavors of almond and cherry with a delightfully moist texture. Thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt and buttermilk, these ingredients not only enhance the bread’s tenderness but also introduce a subtle tanginess. This tang beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries and the nutty essence of almonds. Moreover, employing a careful mixing technique ensures a perfect rise and a golden crust, resulting in a satisfying loaf that beckons for a cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Almond Cherry Bread

You’ll fall in love with this Easy Almond Cherry Bread for various reasons. First, it’s fantastic for any occasion—be it a brunch gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet treat with your morning coffee. The vibrant bursts of fresh cherries, along with the crunchy almond topping, make each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, meaning you can focus more on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than stressing over complicated steps. Imagine the compliments from friends and family when they taste this moist and flavorful loaf.

Ingredients for Easy Almond Cherry Bread

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain, strained yogurt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups cherries, fresh or canned, pitted and quartered
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 to 2 tbsp cream
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Mixing the Batter

Gather Your Ingredients

To begin with, measure out all your ingredients. This ensures everything is ready for mixing, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Preheat and Prepare

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, line an 8 ½-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray the sides with nonstick baking spray for easy release. This step prevents any sticky surprises later on.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sugar. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed for a few minutes until they are well-blended. This mixture sets a delightful base for your bread.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, sift these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and mix on medium speed for about 1 minute. It’s best just to combine until incorporated; overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.

Prepare the Cherries

To prevent the cherries from sinking in the batter, toss the quartered cherries in cornstarch. This little trick helps to distribute the cherries evenly throughout the bread and maintains their juicy goodness.

Fold in Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold the prepared cherries and sliced almonds into the batter by hand. Remember to reserve some for topping; these will add a lovely finishing touch to your bread.

Transfer to Pan and Bake

Now, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved cherries and almonds on top—it makes the bread look lovely! Bake this in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Once it’s beautifully baked, remove the bread from the loaf pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. To make the almond glaze, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and cream. Adjust the cream and sugar until you achieve your desired consistency, then drizzle this over the cooled bread. The glaze brings an extra touch of sweetness that you’ll adore.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful treat, pair this Easy Almond Cherry Bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also shines as a luscious breakfast option, especially when served alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt. Imagine enjoying a slice as the sun rises, wrapped in the warmth of a cozy kitchen.

Tips for Success

1. Proper Measuring: For the best accuracy, consider using a kitchen scale, especially when measuring flour.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature. This helps achieve better emulsification, beating in more air for a lighter bread.
3. Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients. This maintains the bread’s light and fluffy texture, which is exactly what you want.

Variations

• Nut Substitutions: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the sliced almonds for pecans or walnuts. Each nut brings its unique flavor to the bread.
• Fruit Alternatives: You can use blueberries or cranberries as alternatives if cherries aren’t your thing or aren’t in season.
• Add Spices: For a little extra warmth, incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices take your bread to another level of comfort.

Storage Tips

Let the bread cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature where it can typically stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen when wrapped tightly. Just remember to slice it beforehand for easy serving later!

Pairing Ideas

To elevate your experience, enjoy this bread with a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or even alongside a light salad for a balanced brunch option. The sweet and nutty flavors of the bread contrast nicely with savory tastes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter to maintain that perfect texture.

2. How do I achieve a thicker glaze?
Simply add more confectioner’s sugar to the glaze mixture until you reach your desired thickness. This will give you that perfect drizzle.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, create a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes before using.

4. How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and it has that beautiful golden-brown color on top.

5. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just store it properly to maintain its freshness.

Enjoy the process of baking this Easy Almond Cherry Bread. Each slice is sure to bring warmth and joy, making every moment spent sharing it a little more special!

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