Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, I have just the thing for you! Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. It combines the sweet-tartness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. This quick bread is a family favorite in my home—it’s great for busy weeknights and makes for a wonderful addition to any gathering. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious bread ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet cherry flavor and crunchy poppy seeds.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it for a tasty snack throughout the week.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy evening at home, this bread fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need to hunt down any fancy ingredients for this recipe! The Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread requires simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pkg Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Variations

One of the best things about this quick bread is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different fruits: Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry pie filling—each will give a unique twist!
• Infuse with spices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it healthier: Substitute the water with almond milk for added creaminess without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your quick bread bakes evenly and comes out golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. This step is crucial because it helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove your lovely loaf once it’s baked.

Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the water, egg, and muffin mix until everything is moistened. Don’t forget to fold in those poppy seeds found in the Krusteaz package! Pour this mixture into your prepared loaf pan.

Step 4: Swirl in Cherry Pie Filling

Using a knife, gently swirl in the cherry pie filling into your batter. This adds beautiful pockets of fruity goodness throughout the bread, making every slice a delightful surprise!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-55 minutes or until it turns golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! After baking, cool it for about five minutes before loosening and removing from the pan.

Step 6: Let It Cool Completely

Once out of the pan, allow your quick bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and ensures each slice holds together nicely. Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container—if there are any left!

Enjoy every bite of this warm and inviting Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Baking is an art, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and water to room temperature helps ensure that they mix evenly with the dry ingredients, leading to a fluffier texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents the bread from becoming dense. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

• Swirl carefully: When adding the cherry pie filling, use a gentle hand. Over-swirl can lead to an overly pink loaf; we want those lovely cherry ribbons without losing the almond poppyseed flavor.

• Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

• Cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan ensures it holds its shape when you remove it. Letting it cool completely will help maintain its texture.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Serving your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread beautifully can make all the difference! Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some delightful ways to present this treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Sliced almonds: Sprinkling sliced almonds on top right before serving provides a nice crunch that complements the almond flavor.
• Fresh cherries: Adding a few fresh cherries alongside each slice not only looks lovely but also enhances that cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess that balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits gives a refreshing contrast and adds color to your table.
• Coffee or tea: Serving this bread with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere and enhances the overall experience.
• Cheese platter: Pairing slices with soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese introduces savory notes that beautifully offset the sweetness of the quick bread.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread will not only taste divine but also look exceptionally inviting on any table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re planning a brunch or just want a delicious treat on hand, this bread stores well and stays moist, making it a convenient choice for busy days!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the quick bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the quick bread before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• For individual slices, microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• To reheat the whole loaf, wrap it in foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes.
• Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or your favorite spread!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread without almond flavoring?

Yes! If you prefer not to use almond flavoring, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or simply omit it altogether. The cherry pie filling will still provide plenty of flavor.

How long does Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread will last for about 3 days at room temperature. If you choose to freeze it, it can last up to 3 months!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! You can use fresh pitted cherries instead. Just chop them into small pieces and fold them into the batter. You may want to add a little extra sugar if they’re not very sweet.

What can I serve with Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread?

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It’s also delightful when served with cream cheese or yogurt as a breakfast option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread! It’s not just a treat; it’s a lovely way to bring warmth into your kitchen and make everyday moments special. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of this delightful quick bread. Happy baking!