If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet and nutty flavors with a delightful poppyseed crunch, this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to treat. Easy to whip up and wonderfully satisfying, it combines the lusciousness of cherry pie filling with the rich almond undertone and a burst of poppy seeds for texture. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or a lovely afternoon tea accompaniment, this quick bread brings warmth and joy to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of a freshly baked pie, with a thick crust that is golden brown around the edges. The pie filling is deep red with swirls of creamy white, creating a marbled effect on the top layer. The crust appears soft and slightly puffy, folding over the juicy fruit filling in places, which looks rich and slightly shiny. The pie is still in a black baking tray, contrasting with the bright colors of the fruit and crust. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for success, and this Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role in developing that moist, flavorful loaf with just the right crumb and pops of sweet and nutty delight.

Krusteaz Almond Poppyseed Supreme Muffin Mix: The foundation of this bread packed with almond flavor and poppy seeds for texture.
Water: Hydrates the mix perfectly to create a tender crumb.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness for a satisfying bite.
Cherry pie filling: Brings bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color throughout the bread.

How to Make Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. Getting the oven and pan ready early helps the bread cook evenly and develop that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the water, egg, and the muffin mix until just moistened. It’s important not to overmix here; a gentle stir will keep the bread tender and light. Then, fold in the poppy seeds included in the package to add that signature crunch and a slightly nutty note—such a lovely touch.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Using a knife, gently swirl the cherry pie filling through the batter. This swirling technique creates beautiful marbling of fruit throughout the bread, ensuring every slice bursts with that juicy cherry flavor without making the bread overly wet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully loosening and removing it. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this step helps maintain the perfect texture.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe

The image shows two thick slices of poppy seed and raspberry swirl bread placed side by side on a white plate. Each slice has a light, soft texture with visible black poppy seeds spread throughout the light beige bread. Bright red raspberry swirls run unevenly across the slices, adding vibrant color contrast. The crust is slightly browned and textured, forming a gentle edge around the bread. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, dust your slices lightly with powdered sugar or spread a thin layer of almond butter for extra nutty richness. A drizzle of honey can also complement the cherry’s natural sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier option, serve alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt or fresh fruit salad to balance flavors and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Slice the bread and stack the pieces with cream cheese and fresh cherries for mini open-faced sandwiches. Alternatively, use thicker slices and toast them lightly, then spread with lemon curd or mascarpone cheese to highlight the almond and cherry notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread in a tightly covered container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for about 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy intermittently without losing any of its magic.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully, so if you want to make a double batch, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping it in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months and still taste fresh when thawed.

Reheating

To bring the quick bread back to life, warm slices in the toaster or microwave briefly until soft and fragrant. A gentle toasting gives a slight crispness that pairs perfectly with your favorite spread or topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be a great alternative, but since they contain more moisture than pie filling, you might want to toss them in a bit of flour before folding in to prevent sogginess and preserve the bread’s texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe uses a muffin mix that contains gluten, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free almond poppyseed muffin mix or make your own blend to suit dietary needs.

Can I substitute the almond flavor?

Absolutely! While almond flavor is key to the bread’s character, you can try vanilla extract or even a little lemon zest for a fresh twist, but keep in mind this will change the flavor profile.

How important are the poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds add a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and sweet cherries. Leaving them out is possible, but you’ll miss part of what makes this bread so special.

What’s the best way to slice this bread?

Using a serrated bread knife and waiting until the bread is completely cooled will give you clean, even slices without crumbling. Cut slowly with a gentle sawing motion to preserve the crumb structure.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Almond Poppyseed Quick Bread Recipe is a true gem that effortlessly combines ease and flavor into one irresistible loaf. I urge you to give it a try and let the comforting aromas fill your kitchen as you bake. Whether for a casual snack or a lovely gathering, it promises smiles and satisfied taste buds every single time.