Strawberry Bread is a moist and tender loaf bursting with the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, it’s an easy way to enjoy a fruity, homemade treat.
Why We Love This Strawberry Bread Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to adore strawberry bread. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with a sweet glaze, making it perfect for any occasion. Ideal for breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, adding a touch of sweetness to your morning routine. But its charm doesn’t stop there; it shines at brunch gatherings, picnics, and even at dessert time.
Another reason we can’t get enough of this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your pantry—making strawberry bread is an achievable task for bakers of any skill level. Plus, the joy of folding in fresh strawberries into the batter is both therapeutic and rewarding.
Once baked, the moist, fluffy texture and the vibrant strawberry flavor will leave you and your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, the addition of a sweet glaze gives it that extra pop of flavor that’s utterly irresistible. Trust me; once you try this delicious strawberry bread, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients about Strawberry Bread
If you’re ready to dive into making some mouthwatering strawberry bread, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing with strawberries)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries (for the glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract (for the glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for the glaze)
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—making your delectable strawberry bread!
How to Make Strawberry Bread Directions
Making strawberry bread is as enjoyable as eating it! Follow these straightforward steps to create your own delicious loaf:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, 2% milk, oil (canola or coconut), egg, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring a uniform rise in your bread.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a small bowl, take your diced strawberries and toss them with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This light coating helps the strawberries keep their shape and not sink to the bottom while baking.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the floured strawberries into your batter. This step adds bursts of sweetness and moisture throughout your bread.
- Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into a greased 9×5-inch bread pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place your bread in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Cooling: Once your bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread cools, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced strawberries, and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, spread the glaze generously over the top. It adds a wonderful sweetness that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the bread into generous pieces, and enjoy!
Sugar, strawberries, and a simple preparation process combine to make this delightful bread. You’ll be sure to impress with a homemade treat that is both beautiful and delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread
Your strawberry bread will undoubtedly look and smell amazing, but have you thought about how best to serve it? Here are a few ideas to enhance your strawberry bread experience:
- With a Warm Beverage: Pair your slices of strawberry bread with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. The warmth of the drink combined with the sweetness of the bread makes for an enjoyable start to your day.
- At Brunch: Strawberry bread is a crowd-pleaser during brunch gatherings. Slice it and arrange it on a platter alongside fruit, yogurt, and perhaps even some whipped cream for guests who enjoy a decadent touch.
- With Toppings: Don’t hesitate to serve your strawberry bread with toppings. A dab of butter or a spread of cream cheese can elevate each slice, making for a rich and flavorful treat.
- As a Dessert: If you have any leftover bread (though it’s hard to imagine!), it can be served as a delightful dessert too. Consider garnishing it with extra diced strawberries and a drizzle of glaze for a beautiful presentation.
- Gift it: Home-baked goods make thoughtful gifts. Pack your strawberry bread in a decorative container for a sweet surprise for friends or family.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this strawberry bread is bound to make any occasion special.
Expert Tips: Strawberry Bread
To ensure that your strawberry bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet. This will enhance the flavor of your bread exponentially.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture instead of a light, fluffy loaf.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow your bread to cool completely before adding the glaze. If you glaze it while warm, the glaze may melt and run off instead of sitting nicely on top.
- Use a Toothpick Test: Always use a toothpick to check for doneness. Remember, even if the top looks golden, the inside could still be gooey. Stick a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, it’s done.
- Adjust the Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll create a strawberry bread that is not just good but outstanding!
How to Store Strawberry Bread
Proper storage is essential to keep your strawberry bread fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, always ensure that the bread has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from creating a soggy texture.
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps seal in moisture and flavor.
- Refrigerate for Longevity: If you plan to keep the bread for a few days, consider storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes lead to a denser texture.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, strawberry bread can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your strawberry bread days after it’s baked, keeping that fresh, delicious flavor intact.
Variation of Strawberry Bread
While the classic strawberry bread recipe is already a hit, there are several ways to add a twist or personalize it according to your taste. Here are some tasty variations to consider:
- Nutty Addition: Add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a delightful crunch. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to adjust the flour slightly depending on how many nuts you use.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter version, consider folding in some mini chocolate chips or chunks with the strawberries. The combination of strawberries and chocolate is heavenly!
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate some freshly grated lemon zest into the batter. The zesty citrus notes will elevate the fresh strawberry flavor, making it even more refreshing.
- Coconut: If you love coconut, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter. Coconut pairs beautifully with strawberries, giving a unique texture and flavor profile.
- Different Berries: Experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can use a mix or substitute entirely, making it a seasonal bread that changes with whatever berries are available.
Feel free to get creative and let your personal taste shine through in your strawberry bread!
FAQ Section
What is Strawberry Bread?
Strawberry bread is a quick bread made with fresh strawberries, allowing for a sweet, moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
How do I make my Strawberry Bread moist?
Ensuring you don’t overmix the batter and using ripe, juicy strawberries will help maintain moisture in your bread. Adding a bit of oil also enhances moisture.
Can I freeze Strawberry Bread?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze strawberry bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How long does Strawberry Bread last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your strawberry bread will typically last for about 3 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Strawberry Bread?
You can enjoy strawberry bread on its own, with butter, or cream cheese. It’s also wonderful paired with coffee or tea and can be served at brunch with fresh fruit or yogurt.
Strawberry Bread
Ingredients
For the bread
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk Can substitute with any milk of choice
- 1/2 cup canola oil or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries Fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For tossing with strawberries
For the glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries For the glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract For the glaze
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk Optional, for adjusting glaze consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, 2% milk, oil, egg, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to coat.
- Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x5-inch bread pan.
Baking
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced strawberries, and vanilla extract. Adjust with heavy cream or milk if necessary.
- Once the bread is cooled completely, spread the glaze generously over the top.
Serving
- Slice the bread into generous pieces and enjoy.
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