If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brightens up any day, then this Strawberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, fragrant, and bursting with juicy fresh strawberries, this bread offers the perfect balance of sweet berries and a hint of vanilla that will instantly remind you of warm spring mornings or cozy afternoons filled with tea and good company. It’s simple to make, comforting to eat, and sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a delicious loaf. Each element plays its part in balancing flavor, texture, and moisture, giving this strawberry bread its irresistible charm.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness you want in a quick bread.
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries: Brings juicy bursts of sweetness and a lovely pink hue to the loaf.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the berries.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures a moist crumb and prevents the bread from drying out.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and enrich the texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bread a light, fluffy lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the lovely flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the strawberries perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your strawberry bread will bake evenly and release easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed so the bread rises perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend of ingredients is what makes the bread tender and sweet.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones, being careful not to overmix as that can make the bread tough. Then, carefully stir in the diced fresh strawberries – they add a fresh burst of flavor and a gorgeous fleck of pink throughout.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent of baking strawberry and vanilla filling your kitchen will make waiting a true delight!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your strawberry bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your strawberry bread with a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese for a creamy contrast. Fresh strawberry slices on top add an extra pop of color and a juicy bite that matches beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the morning. For a more indulgent treat, enjoy it alongside vanilla yogurt or a scoop of strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your strawberry bread into a special occasion centerpiece by slicing it and arranging the slices on a pretty plate garnished with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. You can even toast slices to bring out a warm, caramelized flavor that’s perfect with honey drizzled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The bread will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. Keeping it covered is key to maintaining its softness.
Freezing
Strawberry bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm strawberry bread, gently toast slices or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the softness and brings back that fresh-baked aroma that’s impossible to resist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the strawberries well to avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the bread’s texture.
Is this Strawberry Bread Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat products—only eggs and dairy, which are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil. It will give the bread a richer flavor but might slightly change the texture, making it denser.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your strawberry bread is perfectly baked.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips makes a delightful variation. Just fold them in along with the strawberries before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Bread Recipe is one of those simple joys that never fails to please. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a treat for yourself, it’s a bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I encourage you to try it out soon and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen and on your table.
Print
Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This soft, fragrant strawberry bread bursts with juicy fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, making it an ideal treat for spring mornings or a sweet afternoon snack alongside tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to over-mix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Strawberries: Carefully stir in the diced fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter.
- This recipe works well with frozen strawberries; just ensure they are thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
