If you’re searching for a delightful treat that bursts with fresh, fruity flavor, this Strawberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully soft, moist loaf that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a tender crumb that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a casual dessert, this bread offers a charming twist that will brighten up any table. I can’t wait to walk you through how to bring this irresistible strawberry loaf to life in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this strawberry bread shine. Each one plays an important role—from creating the perfect tender texture to adding that burst of fruity color and flavor.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure for a soft, yet sturdy bread.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps every bite tender and moist.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the fresh strawberries.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bread’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create that soft crumb.
- 1 ½ cups strawberries (finely chopped): The star ingredient bringing juicy bursts of fresh, summery flavor throughout the bread.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): For a sweet, smooth glaze on top that adds just the right finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for glaze): Gives the glaze a silky texture and buttery note.
- â…“ cup strawberries (finely chopped, for glaze): Adds a pretty, fresh strawberry pop in the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with a subtle, comforting flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rise and seasoning agents so every slice tastes just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving your bread a wonderful light texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. These ingredients add richness and depth, boosting the overall flavor of your strawberry bread.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. This gentle folding method keeps the batter light and ensures a tender crumb, perfect for strawberry bread.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want strawberries evenly distributed without breaking them up too much to keep those beautiful bursts of color.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure joy!
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, chopped strawberries, vanilla or almond extract, and heavy cream or milk. Stir until smooth and drizzleable, then generously pour it over the slightly warm loaf.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a sprig of mint can elevate your strawberry bread’s presentation and flavor. These simple touches make it feel extra special, whether for guests or a family treat.
Side Dishes
Serve this strawberry bread alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning pick-me-up. For a wholesome brunch, pair it with creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad to complement the strawberry sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread and offer small spreads of cream cheese or Nutella for a fun twist. You can also use this strawberry bread to make indulgent French toast — the moist texture absorbs eggs beautifully and adds a fruity surprise to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover strawberry bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying a slice whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For a warm, comforting slice, microwave leftover bread for about 15-20 seconds or toast lightly. Reheating brings back the fresh-baked feeling and makes the glaze even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen as long as you thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
Is this Strawberry Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and the ingredients are simple, making it an excellent recipe for novice bakers wanting to impress with fresh fruit bread.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy milk work perfectly and won’t affect the delicious flavor of your strawberry bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The classic toothpick test works best—insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of bread?
Definitely! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. It’s a fun way to enjoy the same delightful flavor in a portable form.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about homemade strawberry bread. This Strawberry Bread Recipe combines simple ingredients with fresh strawberries to create a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. I encourage you to give it a try and experience firsthand how baking this delightful bread can brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth in the best way possible!
Print
Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful strawberry bread with a sweet strawberry glaze, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This quick bread combines fresh chopped strawberries with a tender crumb, enhanced by a vanilla touch and softened butter, finished with a luscious powdered sugar glaze studded with bits of strawberry.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Bread
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups strawberries (finely chopped, about 8-10)
For the Strawberry Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
- â…“ cup strawberries (finely chopped, about 3-4)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 1–2 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat ¼ cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Combine milk and dry ingredients: Gradually add ½ cup milk alternately with the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups finely chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract, and 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk to achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Fold in ⅓ cup finely chopped strawberries.
- Glaze the bread: Once the bread is cooled, drizzle or spread the strawberry glaze evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure strawberries are well drained if washed right before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to prevent tough bread.
- For best flavor, use fresh ripe strawberries.
- The glaze can be adjusted for consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more cream to thin.
- Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
