Name: Cherry Almond Loaf Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating cherries)

A delightful combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds, this Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or simply indulging in something homemade. With a soft crumb and rich almond flavor, this loaf cake is both elegant and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This loaf cake is a wonderful fusion of textures and flavors. The sweet cherries offer bursts of juiciness throughout the cake, while ground almonds and almond extract provide a distinct, nutty richness. It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and yields an impressive result that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you serve it plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a treat for all occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Ground almonds (almond flour)
Almond extract
Whole milk
Fresh or glacé cherries (halved and patted dry)
Slivered almonds (for topping)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
Stir in the ground almonds and almond extract.
Gradually fold in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Gently fold in the cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 to 10 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cherry Loaf: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter variation.
Coconut Cherry Loaf: Replace half of the almond flour with desiccated coconut for added texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and almond flour combination.
Lemon Cherry Loaf: Add the zest of one lemon for a bright citrus twist.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and dairy milk with almond milk.

storage/reheating

Store the Cherry Almond Loaf Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, allow frozen slices to thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the cherries in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed during baking.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

What type of almond extract should I use?

Pure almond extract provides the best flavor. Avoid imitation extracts for a more authentic taste.

Can I make this cake without almond flour?

Yes, though it may slightly affect the flavor and texture. Substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.

What kind of cherries work best?

Glacé or maraschino cherries give a sweet, candied flavor, while fresh cherries offer a more natural tartness.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a round cake pan or mini loaf pans, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Freeze slices individually or whole by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Should I refrigerate this cake?

It’s not necessary if eaten within 2–3 days, but refrigeration can extend its shelf life up to a week.

Can I add a glaze or icing?

Yes, a light almond or lemon glaze drizzled on top can enhance both appearance and flavor.

Conclusion

The Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is a timeless and versatile bake that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon tea companion, or elegant dessert, this loaf delivers on flavor, texture, and charm. Try it once, and it may just become a new favorite in your baking rotation.