Save A moist, festive quick bread studded with juicy cherries and fragrant almonds — perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a simple, elegant treat.
I have always enjoyed baking this Cherry Almond Loaf Cake for family gatherings; its delightful cherry and almond flavors never fail to impress.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients: ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp almond extract
- Add-ins: 1 cup (150 g) fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved (or use well-drained maraschino cherries), ½ cup (60 g) sliced almonds plus more for topping
- Optional Topping: 2 tbsp sliced almonds, 2 tbsp coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix just until combined. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated.
- Add cherries and almonds:
- Fold in cherries and sliced almonds.
- Prepare batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Save This loaf always brings warmth to our family mornings, sharing slices over coffee and stories.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, rubber spatula, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Milk (dairy), Tree Nuts (almonds), Butter (dairy). Always double-check ingredient labels especially for processed cherries.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (based on 10 slices): Calories 235, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 4 g
Save This Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is a simple yet elegant treat sure to brighten any table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can frozen cherries be used instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen cherries before folding them into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for almonds if allergic?
Try using chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when the loaf is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- → Is it possible to add citrus notes to this loaf?
Yes, adding a bit of orange zest to the batter complements the cherries and almonds nicely.
- → Can I prepare this loaf ahead of time?
The loaf keeps well at room temperature for about two days and can be stored in the fridge longer.