# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ½ cup whole milk
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 teaspoon almond extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved
11 - ½ cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping
→ Optional Topping
12 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
13 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
05 - 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.
06 - Fold in the pitted cherries and sliced almonds carefully to preserve fruit integrity.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and sprinkle the top with additional sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
