There is something truly magical about a loaf of strawberry bread fresh from the oven, and this Strawberry Bread Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Sweet, moist, and studded with bursts of fresh strawberries, this bread feels like a cozy hug in every bite. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weekday morning or a lazy weekend afternoon, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around your kitchen table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful way to celebrate fresh fruit in a simple yet scrumptious form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Strawberry Bread Recipe proves that with the right basics, you can create something spectacular. Each element plays a crucial role: from the flour that forms the sturdy base to the fresh strawberries that add bright flavor and beautiful color.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread, balancing tenderness and density.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that golden crust.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the bread a tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a subtle spice, elevating the strawberries beautifully.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to moisture and richness.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the bread incredibly moist and soft.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, bringing juiciness and that unmistakable fresh berry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it’s properly heated when your batter is ready to go in. Lightly spray a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, making your life easier when it’s time to remove the bread after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture will distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly throughout the bread, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the eggs and pour in the vegetable or canola oil. Mix everything well until the batter is smooth and uniform. The eggs lend richness while the oil ensures the bread stays soft, even days after baking.
Step 4: Fold in Fresh Strawberries
Gently stir in the hulled and chopped strawberries. These little fruit gems add moisture and natural sweetness, infusing the batter with bursts of juicy deliciousness that make this Strawberry Bread Recipe so special.
Step 5: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly so it bakes uniformly, ensuring every slice gets a good share of those vibrant strawberries.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for one hour. As the bread bakes, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma mixing warm cinnamon and fresh berries. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your strawberry bread is ready to come out and cool.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your strawberry bread experience, consider a light spread of cream cheese or mascarpone. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a simple but elegant touch that enhances both appearance and taste.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, slice the bread and toast it lightly, then top with a smear of almond butter and thinly sliced strawberries for a delightful open-faced snack. You can also cut it into smaller cubes and serve as part of a brunch spread, allowing everyone to enjoy bite-sized goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strawberry bread stays moist and flavorful when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save part of your loaf for later, slice the bread first, then layer the slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring your strawberry bread back to that freshly baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or warm them in a 325ºF oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the texture and aroma, making every bite taste like it’s straight from your oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to avoid sogginess.
Is this Strawberry Bread Recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a similar result, keeping an eye on moisture levels.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips make fantastic additions, adding texture and extra flavor layers to the strawberry bread.
How many servings does this bread make?
One standard loaf typically slices into 10 to 12 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days.
What’s the best way to check if the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the bread is baked through and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Bread Recipe is a delightful baking project that delivers a sweet, moist, and flavorful loaf every time. It’s approachable for bakers of all levels and endlessly pleasing to the palate. So don’t hesitate—grab those fresh strawberries and make this bread today. Your kitchen and loved ones will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (9x5x3-inch pan)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with fresh strawberries, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or an easy dessert, it combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a classic spiced batter for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 10 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil (1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp)
Fruit
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients. Beat in the eggs and pour in the vegetable or canola oil. Mix well until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Incorporate Strawberries. Gently fold the hulled and chopped fresh strawberries into the batter, making sure they are evenly dispersed without bruising them too much.
- Pour Batter into Pan. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bread. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and moisture in the bread.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil for a neutral taste.
- If you prefer, add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Check the bread at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking; oven times may vary.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
