Cherry Almond Bread (Bread Machine) Recipe
Description
This delightful Cherry Almond Bread recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of toasted almonds and sweet cherries. Each bite offers a nutty richness from the almonds combined with the subtle tartness of dried cherries. It’s the perfect homemade bread that reminds you of those specialty loaves you might find at an artisan bakery but at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, brunch, or as a treat, this bread will surely make you feel like you’ve baked a little taste of heaven. And while it’s fantastic with cherries, you can easily substitute cranberries for a festive twist during the holidays. This recipe is for a 1.5 lb loaf, ideal for using in a bread machine. The toasted almonds add a special depth of flavor, and the texture is wonderfully soft, perfect for enjoying warm or toasted.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Information (Approx per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | 1 tsp | Sodium: 2623.6 mg |
| Milk | 1 cup | Calories: 42 (per cup) |
| Soymilk | 1 cup | Calories: 105 (per cup) |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Calories: 407, Fat: 48.8g |
| Margarine (optional) | 4 tbsp | Calories: 407, Fat: 48.8g |
| Egg | 1 large | Calories: 70, Cholesterol: 280.5mg |
| Sugar | 3 tbsp | Carbohydrates: 38g, Sugar: 19.9g |
| Dried Cherries | 2/3 cup | Calories: 270, Fiber: 4g |
| Bread Flour | 3 cups | Carbohydrates: 224g, Protein: 64.9g |
| Bread Machine Yeast | 2 1/4 tsp | Calories: negligible |
| Almonds, toasted | 1/2 cup | Calories: 170, Protein: 6g |
Nutritional Summary per 1.5 lb loaf:
- Calories: 2012.5
- Fat: 48.8g
- Saturated Fat: 17.1g
- Cholesterol: 280.5mg
- Sodium: 2623.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 326.3g
- Fiber: 16.1g
- Sugar: 19.9g
- Protein: 64.9g
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the milk, soymilk, butter, margarine, egg, and yeast are at room temperature. |
| 2 | Load Ingredients in the Bread Machine: Begin by adding the liquid ingredients to the bread machine pan, including the milk, soymilk, butter, and egg. Follow by adding the dry ingredients such as salt, sugar, bread flour, and dried cherries. Make a small well in the flour and add the bread machine yeast. |
| 3 | Select Your Settings: Choose the basic or white bread setting on your bread machine. For the crust color, you can select either light or medium, depending on your personal preference. Press start and let the machine do the rest of the work! |
| 4 | Toast the Almonds: While the bread is baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a shallow baking pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake the almonds for about 6 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly! Once toasted, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before adding them to the bread mixture. |
| 5 | Finish the Bread: Once your bread is finished baking, carefully remove it from the bread machine pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. |
| 6 | Serve and Enjoy: Slice into your freshly baked bread and enjoy the nutty, fruity goodness! You can serve it warm, plain, or with a bit of butter for extra richness. This bread also toasts beautifully if you’re looking for a crunchy texture. |
Expert Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have dried cherries, feel free to use dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots. Each will add a slightly different, but equally delicious flavor to the bread.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra almond punch, you can substitute almond extract for part of the vanilla extract if you wish, or sprinkle a few slivered almonds on top of the bread before the final rise in the machine.
- Serving Suggestions: Cherry Almond Bread is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert bread. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or use it as the base for a decadent French toast!
Storage Instructions:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This bread also freezes well! Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick warm-up.
Additional Notes:
This Cherry Almond Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s great for weekend brunches, holiday meals, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Plus, with a bread machine, making this bread is incredibly convenient. You’ll love the combination of the slightly tart cherries and the toasty almonds.
Keywords:
- Cherry Almond Bread
- Bread Machine Recipe
- Homemade Yeast Bread
- Cherry Recipes
- Almond Recipes
- Sweet Bread
- Artisan-Style Bread
- Easy Bread Recipes
