Description
This Cherry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful bread ideal for breakfast or dessert, featuring fresh cherries folded into a rich cream cheese and butter batter. The blend of vanilla and almond extracts adds a subtle aromatic depth, making this loaf a delightful treat to enjoy any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease two 8.5×4.5-inch bread loaf pans to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cherries: Pit the fresh cherries and roughly chop them into quarters, then set aside for later use.
- Cream cheese and butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and eggs: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the cream cheese mixture, then beat until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Fold in cherries: Carefully fold the chopped cherries into the batter to distribute them evenly without crushing.
- Fill pans and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, covering the loaves with foil after 35 to 40 minutes to prevent over-browning on top.
- Test and cool: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaves to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Covering the loaves with foil midway through baking helps prevent the tops from burning while ensuring the inside fully cooks.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Fresh cherries can be substituted with frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to maintain a tender crumb texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of a loaf)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
