Are you ready to indulge in the sweet, fresh flavors of summer? Our Strawberry Bread recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a delightful treat that's both easy to make and irresistible to eat. Packed with juicy strawberries and topped with a simple glaze, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow along with our step-by-step guide to create a loaf that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Don't miss out—read on to discover the secrets to making the perfect strawberry bread!
What is Strawberry Bread?
Strawberry bread is a delicious quick bread, meaning it doesn't require yeast for leavening. Instead, it relies on baking powder to rise. This sweet treat is made with fresh strawberries, giving it a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. The bread itself is moist and tender, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Ingredients List for Strawberry Bread
To make the perfect strawberry bread, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted Challenge butter (1 stick), softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup light cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups fresh strawberries, diced, divided
Ingredients List for Glaze
For the glaze, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk (or as needed)
Substitutions and Variations
Making strawberry bread can be flexible. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter Substitute: Use unsalted butter and add an extra pinch of salt, or substitute with margarine.
- Cream Substitute: Half-and-half or whole milk can replace light cream.
- Sugar Alternatives: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-calorie option.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Add-ins: Incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or mix in some white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8x4-inch metal loaf pan thoroughly. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream Together: In a separate bowl, cream together ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of softened butter until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Liquids: Mix in ½ cup of light cream and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Step 5: Prepare Strawberries
- Dust Strawberries: Set aside 2 tablespoons of diced strawberries for topping. Toss the remaining strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Fold Strawberries: Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter.
Step 6: Bake
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved strawberries on top.
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk. Stir until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can result in a dense, tough loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
- Not Using Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen strawberries as they can add too much moisture.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Strawberry Bread
Strawberry bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:
- Breakfast: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Snack: Enjoy it plain or with a light spread of strawberry jam.
- Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Bread
- Sliced with Fresh Berries: Arrange slices on a platter with fresh strawberries for a vibrant, appealing look.
- Glazed and Garnished: Drizzle with glaze and garnish with mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
- Bundled for Gifting: Wrap a loaf in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and add a fresh strawberry on top for a charming homemade gift.
Strawberry Bread Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more easily and rise better.
- Proper Measurement: Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, as it adds a subtle brightness to the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture.
Q: How do I store strawberry bread? A: Store strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this bread vegan? A: Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs, and opt for a non-dairy cream.
Q: What can I add to the batter for extra flavor? A: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even some orange zest to enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf? A: Absolutely! Adjust the baking time accordingly, typically around 25-30 minutes for mini loaves.
Conclusion
Strawberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the fresh flavors of strawberries with the comforting texture of homemade bread. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this versatile recipe is sure to please. With our detailed guide, you can avoid common mistakes and present a loaf that's both beautiful and delicious. Try this recipe today and share the joy of homemade strawberry bread with your family and friends!
PrintStrawberry Bread Recipe
This strawberry bread recipe features fresh strawberries and a sweet glaze, making it a delicious treat for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy the blend of sweet berries and a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for a quick bake that's sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup light cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups fresh strawberries, diced, divided
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk (or as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the light cream and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Toss 1 cup of diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then fold into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with remaining strawberries.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are well-diced for even distribution.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
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