Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Featured in: Warm Cookies & Cakes

This moist cherry almond loaf combines juicy cherries and fragrant almonds for a tender, flavorful bite. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and eggs, it offers a balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The batter is folded gently to keep a light texture, then baked until golden with a crunchy almond topping. Ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence, this loaf pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Freshly baked Cherry Almond Loaf Cake, boasting a golden crust and glistening, sweet cherries inside. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Cherry Almond Loaf Cake, boasting a golden crust and glistening, sweet cherries inside. | flourhollow.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 cherry almond loaf cake quickly became a favorite at family gatherings thanks to its simple preparation and delightful taste.

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.
Sliced Cherry Almond Loaf Cake, showing the perfect crumb and scattered almonds, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Sliced Cherry Almond Loaf Cake, showing the perfect crumb and scattered almonds, ready to eat. | flourhollow.com

This loaf has brought many shared moments around the table as everyone enjoys the balance of sweet cherries and nutty almonds.

Notes

For a glazed finish drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled. Delicious served with tea or coffee.

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.

Close-up of a Cherry Almond Loaf Cake slice, highlighting the moist interior and delicate almond flavor. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a Cherry Almond Loaf Cake slice, highlighting the moist interior and delicate almond flavor. | flourhollow.com

This cherry almond loaf cake is a simple elegant treat ready to impress both family and guests alike.

Recipe FAQs

Can frozen cherries be used in this loaf?

Yes, thawed frozen cherries work well. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How can I achieve a glazed finish on the loaf?

Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for a shiny, sweet glaze.

Is it possible to add citrus flavor to this loaf?

Adding orange zest to the batter introduces a fresh citrus note that complements the cherries and almonds nicely.

What is the best way to store leftover loaf slices?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep fresher longer.

Can I substitute another type of nut for almonds?

While almonds provide a distinct flavor and texture, chopped walnuts or pecans can be used as alternatives.

Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

A moist loaf filled with cherries and toasted almonds for a festive, elegant treat anytime.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cook Duration
55 mins
Overall Time
70 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 10 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

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 extra for topping

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
02 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is 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

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Pour in milk, then fold in the remaining dry ingredients gently until incorporated.

Step 06

Add Cherries and Almonds: Fold in the pitted cherries and sliced almonds carefully to preserve fruit integrity.

Step 07

Transfer Batter and Add Topping: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and sprinkle the top with additional sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool and Slice: Allow loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten, eggs, dairy, and tree nuts (almonds). Confirm ingredient labels, especially for processed cherries.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 235
  • Fat content: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein Amount: 4 g