Imagine biting into a moist, cake-like quick bread that’s bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, and the best part is that it comes together in just 10 minutes.
You’ll love how the finely diced strawberries add natural sweetness and a tender crumb to this delicious homemade bread. Whether you’re looking for a special treat or a simple pleasure, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover a delicious homemade strawberry bread recipe that’s perfect for any time of day.
- Learn the secret to making a moist and flavorful bread with fresh strawberries.
- Understand why this recipe is a reader favorite and how you can make it your own.
- Find out how to enjoy this versatile treat year-round, especially during peak strawberry season.
- Get ready to indulge in a sweet and satisfying strawberry treat.
The Perfect Sweet Bread for Strawberry Season
As strawberry season arrives, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delicious strawberry bread recipe. This glazed strawberry bread tastes like summer in a loaf pan! It’s tender, moist, and chock-full of juicy berries.
The cake-like crumb and creamy, dreamy vanilla icing make for a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The recipe is quick and easy, and there’s no mixer required!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Bread
This strawberry bread is a game-changer during peak strawberry season. You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat that’s moist on day one but develops even deeper flavors by day two. The bread’s cake-like texture combined with pockets of juicy strawberries creates an irresistible contrast.
When to Serve This Delightful Treat
This versatile quick bread works beautifully for breakfast alongside coffee, as an afternoon snack with tea, or dressed up with extra glaze for a simple yet impressive dessert. It’s perfect for potlucks, brunches, or gift-giving, and is sure to impress with its pretty pink hue and rich strawberry flavor. You’ll appreciate the ease of this recipe and how it becomes a go-to treat during baking time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Bread
Before you start baking, it’s essential to have all the necessary ingredients ready. Making strawberry bread involves combining simple pantry staples with fresh strawberries to create a delicious treat.
For the Bread
The bread base requires 2 cups all-purpose flour, which provides structure, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for sweetness. You’ll also need 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/2 cup canola oil or coconut oil, and 1 large egg to create the bread’s moist texture. Additionally, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract adds flavor, while 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt help with the rise and texture. The star ingredient is 2 cups diced fresh strawberries, which you’ll need to coat with 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to prevent sinking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| 2% milk | 1/2 cup |
| Canola oil or coconut oil | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Diced fresh strawberries | 2 cups |
For the Strawberry Glaze
For the optional but recommended glaze, you’ll need 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries. Adding 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract enhances the flavor. You may also need 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Equipment Needed
Basic baking equipment is required: an 8×4-inch loaf pan for proper rising, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a cooling rack for the finished bread.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Bread Instructions
Baking a delicious strawberry bread is easier than you think with our step-by-step guide. To achieve the perfect loaf, it’s crucial to follow each step carefully, from preparing your ingredients to glazing the final product.
Preparing Your Strawberries
Start by properly preparing your strawberries. Wash, hull, and dice them into small pieces. To prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking, toss them with a tablespoon of flour. This simple step ensures that your strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the bread, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
Mixing the Batter
In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense bread.
As “The Art of Baking” suggests, “the key to a tender crumb is in the gentle mixing of the batter.” This approach ensures that your bread remains light and fluffy.
Baking Your Bread to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the bread batter into a greased 9″x5″ loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through the baking time.
Creating the Sweet Strawberry Glaze
While your bread cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with finely diced strawberries and vanilla. Add cream or milk as needed to achieve a pourable consistency. The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation to your strawberry bread.
Cooling and Glazing
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top. This patience is crucial as the bread continues to set during cooling, and the glaze adheres better to a cool loaf.
As you wait for the bread to cool, you can anticipate the delightful taste of your freshly baked strawberry bread. With these steps, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Bread
To ensure your strawberry bread turns out perfectly, follow these expert tips. Making a delicious quick bread is all about the details, from preparing your ingredients to storing the final product.
Selecting and Preparing Strawberries
Choosing the right fresh strawberries is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Opt for ripe but firm strawberries, as overripe berries can make the bread too wet, while underripe berries lack sweetness and juiciness.
Preventing Sunken Berries
To prevent your strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This simple technique ensures they stay evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this develops gluten and creates a tough bread. Instead, stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened, then gently fold in the strawberries. Using a combination of baking powder and baking soda also helps achieve the perfect texture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store your strawberry bread properly to maintain its freshness. Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed bread for up to 3 months. Remember to cool completely before glazing or slicing.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-2 days | Airtight container |
| Refrigerate | Up to 1 week | Glaze may make top slightly moist |
| Freeze | Up to 3 months | Unglazed, wrapped tightly |
Delicious Variations to Try
Discover exciting ways to repurpose your strawberry bread batter into different treats. You can easily transform this recipe into various delicious goodies, making it perfect for different occasions and preferences.
Strawberry Muffins
Turn your strawberry bread recipe into muffins by using the same batter in a muffin tin. They’ll bake much faster, taking about 20 minutes at 350°F. For a bakery-worthy look, try a high-temperature start: bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F. This method creates beautifully domed tops.
Add-ins and Flavor Twists
Experiment with flavor variations by adding complementary ingredients. Try adding lemon zest for brightness, white chocolate chips for sweetness, or chopped nuts for texture. You can also create a strawberry-banana version by replacing half the strawberries with mashed ripe banana, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Dietary Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be adapted. Use gluten-free flour blends for gluten sensitivities or plant-based milk and egg replacers for a vegan version. You can also reduce sugar content by using ripe, naturally sweet strawberries and decreasing the granulated sugar.
Conclusion
This strawberry bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its tender crumb and sweet strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. By following this simple recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this bread is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat and savor the taste of fresh strawberries in every bite.