If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine a loaf bursting with sweet cherries, nutty almond notes, and a delightful crunch from the poppyseeds—all coming together in a quick bread that’s as simple to make as it is to enjoy. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack with tea, or a charming addition to any brunch table. Once you’ve made this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, sharing smiles and stories as you slice into that golden crust and tender crumb packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a short list of ingredients that work together like a dream. Each component plays its role perfectly: the muffin mix brings the structure and almond flavor, water and egg bind everything together with the right moisture and richness, and the cherry pie filling adds bursts of juicy sweetness that turn every bite into a little celebration.
- Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix: This mix is the star base, providing the nutty almond and poppyseed flavors as well as the perfect crumb texture.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the dry mix and helps create a tender quick bread.
- Egg (1 large): Adds richness and helps to bind all ingredients together smoothly.
- Cherry Pie Filling (1 cup): Brings vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and a luscious surprise inside the bread.
How to Make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an ideal baking environment. Lightly grease a loaf pan—ideally 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches—to ensure your quick bread won’t stick and will come out with a nice golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, stir together the water, egg, and the almond poppyseed muffin mix until everything is just moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. This is where the magic starts—watch how the ingredients come together into a beautifully textured batter.
Step 3: Combine with Poppy Seeds
Fold in the poppy seeds included in the Krusteaz package gently. These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor that really makes this bread stand out.
Step 4: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, dollop the cherry pie filling on top and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter. This step creates those gorgeous cherry ribbons throughout the loaf.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the bread for 50 to 55 minutes, watching for a golden brown color on top and a cooked-through center. Once done, cool it in the pan for 5 minutes before loosening and removing, then let it cool completely before slicing to preserve its perfect texture.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, dust your slices with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few slivered almonds for extra crunch. A thin spread of butter or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate each bite to a little moment of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This quick bread shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads, a creamy latte, or even a tangy yogurt dip. The balance of flavors makes it a versatile side for both sweet and savory meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this bread warm alongside a cheese and charcuterie board for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also slice it thin and toast it lightly, then top with cream cheese and fresh cherries for a fresh take on an afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe (and you very well might!), store it in a tightly covered container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for quick breakfasts or on-the-go snacks.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave. A quick 20 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven will revive that tender crumb and warming flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they may change the moisture content of the bread. If you go fresh, consider macerating the cherries with a bit of sugar beforehand to mimic the sweetness and juiciness of pie filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a certified gluten-free almond muffin mix, but the texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I add nuts to the quick bread?
Absolutely! Adding chopped almonds or even walnuts can add a lovely crunch and deepen the nutty flavor. Just fold them in along with the poppy seeds.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain quality.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?
It’s wonderfully versatile! Serve it warm with butter for breakfast or enjoy it as a sweet snack or light dessert, especially when paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a loaf of quick bread that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor. This Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe delivers on all fronts—ease, taste, and a bit of that homemade magic. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker craving a fast, delicious treat, this recipe will quickly become a beloved go-to. Give it a whirl, and prepare to fall in love bite by bite.
Print
Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat combining the nutty essence of almond and poppy seeds with the sweet burst of cherry pie filling. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this quick bread is easy to prepare using a muffin mix and requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 pkg Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix
- Enclosed poppy seeds from the Krusteaz package
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the water, egg, and the muffin mix until the ingredients are just moistened. Then fold in the enclosed poppy seeds from the muffin mix package to evenly distribute them.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to set the base for your bread.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Using a knife, gently swirl the cherry pie filling throughout the batter to create a marbled effect with sweet bursts of cherry flavor in every slice.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently loosen the sides, remove it, and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Store: Once completely cooled, store the bread in a tightly covered container to maintain freshness for several days.
Notes
- Ensure the loaf pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined for best texture.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit fillings if preferred.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
