Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Featured in: Sweet Easy Treats

This moist, quick bread blends juicy cherries with fragrant almonds for a delightful holiday treat. Soft crumb and balanced sweetness make it perfect for any time you want an elegant yet simple loaf. The batter combines basic pantry ingredients with fresh cherries and nuts, baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy almonds and coarse sugar. A wonderful accompaniment to tea or coffee, it offers a comforting slice that highlights seasonal flavors with ease.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:24:00 GMT
Moist Cherry Almond Loaf Cake with glistening sugar topping, ready to slice and eat. Save to Pinterest
Moist Cherry Almond Loaf Cake with glistening sugar topping, ready to slice and eat. | recipesbies.com

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.

This loaf cake quickly became a favorite at family gatherings offering a delightful balance of sweetness and nutty crunch.

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4:
Beat in eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
Fold in cherries and sliced almonds.
Step 7:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
Step 8:
Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This tender Cherry Almond Loaf Cake showcases halved cherries throughout the golden quick bread. Save to Pinterest
This tender Cherry Almond Loaf Cake showcases halved cherries throughout the golden quick bread. | recipesbies.com

This recipe has been a cherished part of many family celebrations creating moments of joy and delicious memories.

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

Required Tools

9x5-inch loaf pan Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Measuring cups and spoons Rubber spatula Parchment paper Wire rack

Warm and inviting, freshly baked Cherry Almond Loaf Cake with toasted almond sprinkles. Save to Pinterest
Warm and inviting, freshly baked Cherry Almond Loaf Cake with toasted almond sprinkles. | recipesbies.com

This Cherry Almond Loaf Cake brings warmth and flavor to any table and is sure to impress with its tender crumb and rich taste.

Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Moist loaf studded with cherries and almonds, ideal for festive or casual gatherings.

Prep duration
15 mins
Time to cook
55 mins
Overall time
70 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 10 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included

What you need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
02 ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 2 large eggs
04 ½ cup whole milk
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon almond extract

Add-ins

01 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved
02 ½ cup sliced almonds, plus additional for topping

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
02 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 05

Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently until just combined; pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients, stirring lightly until incorporated.

Step 06

Fold in cherries and almonds: Gently fold fresh cherries and sliced almonds into the batter.

Step 07

Transfer batter and add topping: Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.

Step 08

Bake loaf: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool before slicing: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Equipment You'll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, tree nuts (almonds), and butter (dairy)
  • Verify ingredient labels for processed cherries to avoid hidden allergens

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 235
  • Fat content: 10 g
  • Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein content: 4 g