Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite, then look no further than this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread! This recipe is a special favorite of mine, perfect for brightening up busy weeknights or impressing family and friends at gatherings. The combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds creates a flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.

What I love most about this quick bread is how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast delight, a snack, or a dessert, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion. Trust me; one slice will never be enough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this warm bread ready to enjoy in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The delicious blend of cherry and almond flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time for an easy breakfast option or afternoon snack.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the cherry pie filling, each slice is bursting with moisture and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a deliciously moist loaf that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly!

• 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 its flexibility! You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavor by adding some lemon or orange zest.
• Mix in Nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts.
• Try Other Fruit Fillings: Switch the cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry for a different twist.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk instead.

How to Make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Greasing the pan helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove your lovely bread once it’s baked.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together the water, egg, and muffin mix until just moistened. It’s important not to overmix here; we want our quick bread to stay tender and soft. Then fold in the poppy seeds from the Krusteaz package—these little seeds add such delightful texture!

Step 4: Add Cherry Filling

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently swirl in the cherry pie filling with a knife. This step creates beautiful marbling throughout your bread while infusing it with sweet cherry goodness.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about five minutes before carefully removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Now you’re ready to slice into this delightful Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Making this cherry almond poppyseed quick bread is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enhance your baking game even further!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your egg and cherry pie filling are fresh for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your bread and contribute to a more vibrant texture.

• Mix gently: When combining the muffin mix with water and egg, stir just until moistened. Overmixing can result in a denser loaf, so keep it light and fluffy for that perfect quick bread texture.

• Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps retain moisture and ensures clean cuts, making each slice look as good as it tastes.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding chopped nuts or additional fruit can add complexity and flavor. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you make significant changes.

• Store correctly: Keep your quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature. This preserves its freshness, ensuring each slice remains soft and delicious for days.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

This cherry almond poppyseed quick bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways! Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, here are some delightful presentation ideas.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chopped almonds: Scatter some chopped almonds on top for a crunchy texture that complements the moist bread perfectly.
• Fresh cherries: Garnish with whole or halved cherries for a vibrant pop of color that enhances its visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread. You can even add honey or fruit on top for extra flavor.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your meal. The natural sweetness of fresh fruits pairs wonderfully with the cherry almond flavors.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea is perfect alongside this quick bread. The soothing aromas enhance your overall enjoyment while complementing its sweetness.
• Cheese platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting savory contrast. The creaminess balances out the sweet notes in the bread beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll create an unforgettable experience around your cherry almond poppyseed quick bread. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and with proper storage, it will stay fresh and flavorful for days.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Slice the quick bread before freezing for easier portions.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a warm treat, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling in the Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just chop them up and stir them into the batter. To maintain moisture, consider adding a little extra sweetness like honey or maple syrup.

How do I make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the Krusteaz Muffin Mix with a gluten-free muffin mix that contains similar flavors. Ensure all additional ingredients are also gluten-free.

What other add-ins can I include in my Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread?

Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts (almonds work wonderfully), white chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes for added texture and flavor!

How should I store my Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread to keep it fresh longer?

Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider slicing and freezing it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread! Whether you’re enjoying a cozy morning with coffee, sharing it with friends during brunch, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this quick bread brings warmth and joy to any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try—it’s easy to make and even easier to love! Happy baking!