Immerse yourself in the delight of baking with our Almond-Cherry Delight Loaf recipe. This culinary masterpiece harmonizes the lusciousness of whole glacé cherries with the rich, nutty essence of almonds, enveloped in a tender sponge. Enhanced with a sprinkle of crunchy flaked almonds and an optional sweet drizzle, this loaf promises a sensory experience that tantalizes your taste buds while keeping the sponge incredibly moist.
Why You’ll Love This: Our Almond-Cherry Delight Loaf is the epitome of baking bliss. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the juicy bursts of cherry to the soft, almond-infused sponge and the delightful crunch of flaked almonds. With the added moisture from ground almonds and a flexible topping choice, this loaf adapts to your palate, offering a versatile and unforgettable dessert.
Perfect Occasion: This loaf shines as the centerpiece of a cozy afternoon tea, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a festive gathering. It’s a celebration of flavors that elevates any occasion, be it a quiet morning moment or a joyous holiday feast. The Almond-Cherry Delight Loaf brings warmth and elegance to the table, making every bite a reason to celebrate.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, finish your loaf with a light dusting of icing sugar or a generous drizzle of glaze. Garnish with a few strategically placed whole glacé cherries and a sprinkle of flaked almonds for a visually stunning presentation. Serve on a chic serving plate or a rustic wooden board to elevate the aesthetic appeal, making it not just a dessert, but a work of art.
Ingredients for the Loaf:
- 220ml non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 80g plain non-dairy yogurt
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 230g fine sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
- 275g all-purpose flour
- 75g finely ground almonds
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A selection of glacé cherries (quantity as desired)
- Almond flakes for garnishing
- Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan setting), and prepare a 1lb loaf tin by lining it with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the non-dairy milk and lemon juice/apple cider vinegar. Once it curdles, incorporate the yogurt, oil, fine sugar, and both essences using a whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Gently fold in most of the glacé cherries into the batter, setting aside a few for decoration.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, then sprinkle the top with the reserved cherries and almond flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the loaf starts to brown too much, lightly cover with foil after 45 minutes.
Enjoy your baking journey with this Almond-Cherry Delight Loaf, a perfect treat that marries the essence of almonds with the sweetness of cherries in every moist and flavorful slice. Enjoy!
