# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ½ cup whole milk
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 teaspoon almond extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries, pitted and halved
11 - ½ cup sliced almonds
→ Optional Topping
12 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
13 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
05 - Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in the milk, then add remaining dry ingredients, stirring gently until incorporated.
06 - Gently fold fresh cherries and sliced almonds into the batter.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and optionally sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and coarse sugar.
08 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
