There’s just something magical about the smell of homemade strawberry bread wafting through the kitchen! This sweet and moist quick bread is a delightful way to showcase fresh strawberries, and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a brunch gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just to treat yourself, it hits the spot every time. The vibrant color and flavor of the strawberries make each slice a little piece of heaven, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a loaf pan. I love how versatile this recipe is; you can enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even spread with cream cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. So, grab some strawberries and let’s get baking this amazing strawberry bread that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Strawberry Bread
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works together with the baking powder for that perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those yummy flavors!
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture to your bread. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot!
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and give the bread a nice texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, inviting flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: The star of the show! Make sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly.
How to Prepare Strawberry Bread
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bread to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir with a whisk or a fork to make sure everything’s mixed evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: melt that butter (let it cool a bit so it’s not too hot), then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. You want a lovely creamy consistency here!
- Now, it’s time to bring the two bowls together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want it just combined. A few lumps are totally fine—this bread is meant to be easygoing!
- Next, gently fold in the chopped strawberries. I always get a bit excited at this stage—just imagine all that juicy fruit bursting with flavor!
- Once everything’s combined, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s even and ready to rise.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just be sure to check around the 50-minute mark—don’t want it to overbake!
- When it’s done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help it set perfectly so it slices like a dream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings!
- Delightfully sweet and moist, with fresh strawberry bursts in every bite.
- Versatile enough to enjoy on its own or dressed up with butter or cream cheese.
- Great for sharing at brunches, picnics, or simply as a delicious snack.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your strawberry bread turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use ripe strawberries: The sweeter and more flavorful the strawberries, the better your bread will taste. Look for berries that are firm, bright red, and fragrant.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Cool the melted butter: Make sure your melted butter isn’t piping hot when you mix it with the eggs. If it is, it can cook the eggs and mess with the texture. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to swap in different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist! You can also add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing zing.
- Store it properly: To keep your strawberry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates! But here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect in a slice of this delightful strawberry bread:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy every slice knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and satisfying!
FAQ About Strawberry Bread
Got questions about making the perfect strawberry bread? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your bread.
How should I store leftover strawberry bread?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
What can I substitute for the eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs or applesauce. For one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, 1/4 cup of applesauce works great too!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch. Just fold them in gently along with the strawberries before baking. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips in there for a sweet twist!
Why is my strawberry bread dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Remember, we want it just combined! Also, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as this can affect the rise too.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious strawberry bread fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about some fantastic ways to enjoy it! Here are a few serving ideas that’ll elevate your experience:
- With butter: A classic choice! Slather a warm slice with a pat of butter for that rich, creamy touch. It melts right into the bread and takes it to a whole new level!
- Spread cream cheese: For a little extra indulgence, spread some cream cheese on top. You can even mix in a bit of honey or powdered sugar for sweetness if you’re feeling fancy!
- Pair with fresh fruit: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or sliced bananas. The fresh fruit complements the strawberry flavor beautifully and adds a burst of color to your plate.
- Top with yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast that balances out the sweetness of the bread. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein!
- Make a dessert sandwich: Try layering thin slices of strawberry bread with whipped cream and more fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert sandwich. It’s like a strawberry shortcake in bread form!
Whichever way you choose to serve it, I promise it’ll be a hit at your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure your delicious strawberry bread stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store those lovely leftovers:
- Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy your strawberry bread within a few days, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping!
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your bread! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date so you know when it was made!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen strawberry bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a little extra warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will revive that soft, moist texture!
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your delightful strawberry bread. Happy baking and enjoying!
Print
Delicious Strawberry Bread Recipe for Heartwarming Moments
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry bread is a sweet and moist quick bread made with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute other berries if desired.
- Serve with butter or cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry bread, quick bread, dessert, baking