Description
This Cherry Almond Port Loaf is a rich, tender, and aromatic loaf cake made with sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and a luxurious splash of ruby port wine. Moist, flavorful, and slightly boozy, it’s a beautiful loaf for the holidays, special gatherings, or cozy winter afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Loaf
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup port wine (ruby port recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup halved pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred—drained)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
For the Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp port wine or milk
- ¼ tsp almond extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Loaf Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
- Mix in almond and vanilla extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and port wine.
- Fold in cherries and sliced almonds gently.
2. Bake the Loaf
- Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top and sprinkle extra almonds if desired.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a rack.
3. Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Whisk powdered sugar, port wine (or milk), and almond extract.
- Drizzle over cooled loaf for extra sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Ruby port provides the best color and flavor; tawny port makes it nuttier.
- Frozen cherries should be thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Add ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT1H00M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 Kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg