Chocolate Cherry Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 container (8 oz) sour cream
• ½ cup chopped dried cherries
• ½ cup bittersweet or dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with shortening and dust it lightly with flour. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl, then set it aside.
2. 2Beat the sugar and softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until fully incorporated.
3. 3Mix in the almond extract and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and the sour cream in alternating batches, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.
4. 4Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out into an even layer.
5. 5Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center until it comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
6. 6Leave the loaf on the wire rack to cool completely for about one hour. Wrap the cooled bread tightly to store at room temperature for up to four days, or place it in the refrigerator.
7. 7Wrap the bread tightly in freezer-safe material to freeze it for up to three months. Thaw the frozen loaf at room temperature before eating.
8. 8Slice the bread to serve immediately, or prepare multiple loaves to give away as homemade holiday gifts.

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