Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is here, and before we even get into the details, I just want to say thank you. Truly. I’m so grateful you’re here and baking along with me. This is one of those recipes that feels both cozy and special—simple enough for an everyday treat, yet elegant enough to share with friends. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This loaf is tender, buttery, and filled with sweet cherry pops and warm almond flavor. Anything but boring!!

This Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is inspired by those quiet moments with a cup of coffee or tea, when you want something comforting but not overly heavy. The almond aroma while it bakes is incredible!! I’m kicking myself for not baking two loaves the first time because it disappeared fast—and yes, slices were “sampled” before it even cooled.

Overview of Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

This Cherry Almond Loaf Cake is a soft, moist quick bread-style cake loaded with cherries and kissed with almond flavor. It’s baked in a loaf pan, making it easy to slice and serve for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and looks beautiful with minimal effort. The combination of cherries and almond feels bakery-worthy without any complicated steps.

What does Cherry Almond Loaf Cake taste like?

Buttery and tender with bursts of sweet cherry in every bite. The almond flavor is warm and nutty, perfectly balancing the fruit without overpowering it.

Benefits of this recipe

This recipe is beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for make-ahead baking. It’s also a wonderful way to use fresh or jarred cherries when they’re in season—or not.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Main ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk or buttermilk
Almond extract
Cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred), chopped
Sliced almonds (for topping)

Tools You’ll Need

No fancy equipment required.

Loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Swap cherries for dried cherries or cranberries
Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of milk for extra moisture
Drizzle with a simple almond glaze for added sweetness
Use gluten-free flour blend if needed

How to Make Cherry Almond Loaf Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Prep the pan and oven

Preheat your oven and grease a loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add eggs and flavor

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the almond extract. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in cherries

Gently fold the chopped cherries into the batter. Tossing them lightly in flour beforehand helps prevent sinking.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

What to Serve with Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

This loaf is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Coffee or espresso
Hot tea
Fresh whipped cream
Vanilla or almond ice cream
A dusting of powdered sugar

Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Loaf Cake

Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake tender
Pat cherries dry before adding to avoid excess moisture
Use pure almond extract for the best flavor
Let the loaf cool before slicing for clean cuts

Storage Instructions

Store Cherry Almond Loaf Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just wrap slices tightly.

General Information

This loaf cake works well for brunch spreads, bake sales, gifting, or simply enjoying throughout the week. It’s easy to double the recipe and bake two loaves at once.