Description
Sweet and moist almond cherry bread showcases a delightful combination of fruity and nutty flavors. Homemade bakers will enjoy this simple yet elegant dessert that brings Mediterranean charm to any kitchen table.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) Greek yogurt or plain strained yogurt
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Fruit:
- 1 1/2 cups cherries, fresh or canned
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Almond Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioner’s sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cream
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C and prepare an 8½-inch loaf pan by lining the interior and spraying sides with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, melted butter, almond and vanilla extracts, and sugar until smooth and well-blended.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl, then gradually incorporate into the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
- Carefully pit and quarter cherries, then gently coat with cornstarch. Fold cherries and sliced almonds into the batter, reserving a small portion for topping.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, strategically placing reserved cherries and almonds across the surface for visual appeal.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Create almond glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and cream until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar if needed.
- Once bread is cooled, generously drizzle glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Keep cherries dry by coating them in cornstarch, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries interchangeably, ensuring they’re completely thawed and well-drained if using frozen.
- Check bread doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking, which can make the bread dry.
- Customize the glaze consistency by adjusting cream and powdered sugar ratios for a perfect drizzle or thicker topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg