đŠâđłÂ Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease two 8.5âłĂ4.5âłÂ loaf pans.
- Pit and quarter the cherries. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- Cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Bring It All Together
- Alternate adding dry mixture and milk to wet ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined.
6. Fold in Cherries
- Gently stir in chopped cherries, distributing evenly.
7. Bake
- Divide batter between pans.
- Bake for 50â60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Tip: Cover with foil after 35â40 minutes to prevent over-browning.
8. Cool & Serve
- Let loaves cool completely before slicing.
- Serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
đ˝ď¸Â Tips & Twists
- Make it Moroccan: Add orange zest or a splash of rosewater for a local flair.
- Nutty finish: Stir in chopped almonds or pistachios for crunch.
- Glaze it: Drizzle with lemon or almond glaze once cooled.
- Mini loaves: Bake in smaller pans for gifting or portioning.