Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that can brighten your day, look no further than this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with the nutty crunch of almonds and poppy seeds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family breakfast, a potluck gathering, or just because you deserve a little something sweet, this quick bread never disappoints.

What I love most about this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread is how easy it is to make. In just over an hour, you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have this delicious bread baking away in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet cherry pieces and fun poppy seeds, making it a hit with everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy slices throughout the week—perfect for busy mornings!
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even as a breakfast treat alongside your coffee.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients you might already have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need to create your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread:

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on what you have at home or your personal taste. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
• Substitute fruit: Swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
• Use yogurt: Replace the egg with Greek yogurt to make it even more moist and add protein.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your quick bread an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial because preheating ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises perfectly. While that’s warming up, lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan so your bread doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the water, egg, and muffin mix until just moistened. It’s important not to overmix here—just combine everything until there are no dry spots. Then fold in those lovely poppy seeds from the Krusteaz package! Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan; this is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Swirl

Now comes the fun part! Grab your cherry pie filling and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife. This adds not only beautiful color but also that delightful burst of flavor in every slice.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist! After baking, let it cool in the pan for about five minutes before gently loosening it out. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—if you can wait!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

Making this delightful bread is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate it to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality cherry pie filling can significantly enhance the flavor of your quick bread, ensuring every slice bursts with deliciousness.

• Don’t overmix: Stirring just until the ingredients are combined helps maintain a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Swirl wisely: When swirling in the cherry pie filling, use a gentle hand. Too much mixing can break down the cherries and muddy the beautiful colors in your bread.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, it’s always best to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool fully before slicing helps maintain its structure and makes for cleaner slices that are perfect for serving or sharing.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread

This quick bread is not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Sliced almonds: Sprinkling some sliced almonds on top adds a lovely crunch and enhances the almond flavor of the bread.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your quick bread an elegant touch and makes it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with the sweet cherries and nutty flavors of the quick bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve with a side of creamy yogurt layered with berries for a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea complements the flavors perfectly, making for a cozy afternoon snack or breakfast option.
• Cheese platter: Offer a cheese platter with mild cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta; their creamy texture balances well against the sweet bread.

With these simple garnishes and side dishes, your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread will be the star of any table! 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 easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some tips to help you store and preserve its delightful flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and type of bread for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices on a plate for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread.

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

Yes! You can use fresh cherries; just make sure to pit and chop them into small pieces. Adjust the sweetness as needed since fresh cherries may be less sweet than pie filling.

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

To make this quick bread gluten-free, simply substitute the Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix with a gluten-free muffin mix that contains almond flavoring and poppy seeds.

What are some variations I can try with Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread?

Feel free to experiment! You can add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even toss in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Can I reduce the sugar in my Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread?

Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar amount slightly without compromising texture. Just keep in mind that it may affect the overall flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re just as excited as I am about trying out this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread recipe! It’s not only scrumptious but also brings a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day, it’s bound to become a favorite. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!