Imagine a slice of heaven that's part cake, part bread, and entirely irresistible! This Almost Cake Cherry Almond Bread is the secret weapon in your baking arsenal that will transform your ordinary breakfast or afternoon snack into a gourmet experience. Bursting with juicy cherries, crunchy almonds, and a tender, moist crumb, this recipe is so delicious, you'll want to make it again and again. Get ready to become the star baker in your family with this foolproof, mouthwatering treat that's easier to make than you might think!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few small lumps remain.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your Almost Cake Cherry Almond Bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Choose fresh, ripe cherries: For the best flavor, use fresh, sweet cherries and pat them dry after chopping to prevent excess moisture.
- Toast the almonds: For extra flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan before adding them to the batter.
- Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread set and makes cleaner, more even slices.
- Store properly: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
