Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cherries, sugar, almonds, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, butter, applesauce, egg, and almond extract. Mix well.
Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Stir until dry ingredients are just moistened. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake until top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Place pan on a wire rack and cool slightly. Turn loaf out onto rack and cool completely.