If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines the luscious sweetness of cherries with the nutty charm of almonds, you are absolutely going to love this Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe. It’s a beautiful loaf bursting with juicy maraschino cherries and the subtle, comforting aroma of almond extract, all topped off with a glossy cherry glaze that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or just because, this bread is guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe lies in its simple but perfectly harmonious ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, contributing either to the bread’s moist texture, tender crumb, or that irresistible balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Canola oil (or vegetable oil): Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the flavors.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
- Almond extract: Infuses the bread and glaze with a warm, nutty aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread’s structure and texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the bread rises beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: Bursting pockets of bright cherry flavor and stunning pops of color throughout the bread.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the sweet base of the cherry glaze topping.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps smooth the glaze.
- Cherry juice (reserved from cherries): Delivers an extra punch of cherry flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9″x5″ loaf pan to ensure your bread won’t stick and will bake evenly. This simple preparation step is crucial for the perfect loaf shape and a smooth release once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, large egg, and almond extract. Whisk these together until they form a creamy, well-incorporated mixture. This aromatic blend lays the flavorful foundation for your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly for a consistent rise and balanced taste.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage because it can make the bread dense instead of tender. The batter should be smooth but still a little thick.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Cherries
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down too much. These little bursts of sweet juice will brighten every slice and give the bread its signature cherry charm.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack so it cools completely.
Step 7: Prepare and Add the Cherry Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until you have a smooth, glossy glaze. When the bread is completely cool, drizzle this glaze generously over the top. This finishing touch amplifies the cherry flavor and gives the bread an irresistible shine.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of slivered almonds or a handful of fresh cherries makes a lovely garnish for this bread. They add texture and a fresh, elegant touch that lifts this simple bread to something really special.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a spread of creamy butter, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a richer experience. A hot cup of tea or coffee complements the flavors perfectly and creates a cozy snack or breakfast moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, slice the bread thickly and serve on a decorative platter with little bowls of extra glaze, whipped cream, or cherry preserves. You could also toast slices lightly for a warm, crunchy variation that tastes delightful slathered with butter or jam.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Reheating softens the glaze slightly, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
You can, but fresh cherries may add more moisture and less sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly. Also, make sure to pit and chop them well to avoid too much liquid in the batter.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
The almond extract is key to bringing out a lovely, nutty depth that complements the cherries perfectly. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract can be a substitute, but the flavor profile will change somewhat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best test is the toothpick method—insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake a little longer.
What can I do if I want a more intense cherry flavor?
Reserve more cherry juice to add to your glaze or brush a little cherry syrup over warm slices. Sometimes adding chopped dried cherries into the batter can boost flavor as well.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe is a game changer on your baking list. Its moist crumb, exciting cherry bursts, and sweet almond notes make it irresistible for all occasions. I highly encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table.
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Cherry Almond Bread with Cherry Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Cherry Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf studded with chopped maraschino cherries and infused with almond extract. Baked to a golden perfection and topped with a sweet cherry glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 jars (20 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup cherry juice (reserved from cherries)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9″x5″ loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, milk, canola oil, egg, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Whisk together until evenly blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, reserved cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the cherry glaze evenly over the top for a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- Ensure you do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Drain cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- The glaze adds sweetness and moisture—allow the bread to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if almond flavor is not preferred.
- Store the cherry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.