Strawberries are the quintessential summer fruit. Their juicy sweetness and vibrant color make them a favorite for many. But while most of us are used to enjoying strawberries in smoothies or as a fresh snack, have you ever considered turning them into a delicious bread? If you’ve already fallen in love with my mango bread recipe or savored the goodness of the blueberry bread recipe, then this strawberry bread recipe is going to be your next obsession.
Preparation Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings:
8-10 slices
Dietary Information:
Can be made Vegan (swap eggs for flax eggs and butter for coconut oil)
Gluten-Free (ensure using gluten-free baking powder and flour)
Table of Contents:
Why This Strawberry Bread Recipe is Simply Irresistible?
Ever thought, ‘Strawberries in bread? Why not!’ I gave it a try, and voilà! Here’s why this Strawberry Bread Recipe will be your new jam:
- Freshness Overload: Using fresh strawberries is the secret. They bring a burst of natural sweetness.
- Perfect Balance: It’s the ideal mix of sweet, moist, and a hint of tartness from the strawberries.
- A Little History: Strawberries have been enjoyed since ancient Roman times, praised for their taste and medicinal properties. Eating this bread is like having a slice of history!
Getting Your Strawberries Ready
- Pick the Perfect Strawberries: Start with bright red, firm strawberries. They should smell sweet and fresh. Remember, the better the strawberries, the more delicious your bread will be.
- Hull Them Right: After washing, remove the green leafy part. It’s called hulling. I use a small knife, but there are fancy hullers out there if you’re into gadgets.
- Dice, Not Slice: For this bread, diced strawberries work best. In fact, they spread evenly and give a burst of flavor in every bite.
- The Flour Trick: Before adding them to the batter, toss your diced strawberries in a pinch of flour. This little trick I learned ensures they don’t just sink to the bottom. You’ll get strawberry goodness throughout your bread!
By the way, if you’re in the mood for some savory after this sweet treat, check out my Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe. It’s a delightful twist that pairs surprisingly well with the fruity flavors of this bread. Now, let’s move on to the fun part – baking!
Strawberry Bread Recipe:
Ingredients List for Our Strawberry Bread:
Dry Ingredients:
- Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour. For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat or even a gluten-free blend.
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon. This gives our bread its rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, room temperature. They bind everything together.
- Sugar: 1 cup. For that sweet touch every bread needs.
- Butter: 1/2 cup, melted. This gives our bread its rich, buttery flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste.
Star of the Show:
- Strawberries: 1 and 1/2 cups, finely chopped. Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Optional (but highly recommended):
- Nuts: 1/2 cup, chopped. Walnuts or pecans would be great. They add a nice crunch and complement the strawberries beautifully.
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- Strawberries: 1/2 cup, pureed
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Milk or cream: 2-3 tbsp (adjust for desired consistency)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part – making the strawberry bread!
How to Make Strawberry Bread?
Time needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Alright, now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making our easy Strawberry Bread Recipe! Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
Firstly, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients are Key:
Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine your eggs, sugar, and melted butter. This is where the magic happens. The butter gives it that rich flavor, while the eggs make it fluffy.
- Combine Them:
Then, slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Be gentle; you don’t want to overmix. A light hand ensures a soft, tender bread.
- Add Strawberries:
Now, add those perfectly prepped strawberries you worked on earlier. Gently fold them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- A Dash of Vanilla:
I always add a splash of vanilla extract. It elevates the flavor, making the strawberry notes pop even more.
- Into the Oven:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Strawberry Bread:
Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top.
- Enjoy your Bread with Strawberries:
Slice the strawberry bread and serve. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Daydreaming About That First Slice:
While it bakes, you can daydream about the first slice. Warm, with a pat of butter, or maybe with a side of Blueberry Bread for a berry overload. Additionally, if you’re in the mood for something tropical, why not whip up some Passion Fruit Cake Filling? It pairs beautifully with our strawberry bread, creating a delightful fruity symphony in your mouth. The possibilities are endless!
Fun Twists for Your Strawberry Bread
Our strawberry bread recipe is super yummy on its own, but let’s mix things up a bit. Here are some easy and tasty ideas:
- Fresh Out of the Oven: There’s nothing like a warm slice of strawberry bread. The steam, the soft texture, and also the burst of strawberry flavor. Pure heaven!
- With a Dollop of Cream: A spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also elevate your bread slice to a dessert level. Moreover, if you’re in the mood for a fruity twist, try it with some Passion Fruit Cake Filling.
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: This bread is the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s like they were made for each other! And if you’re in the mood for a treat, why not pair it also with a slice of Classic Basque Cheesecake?
- Turn it into French Toast: Imagine slices of this bread soaked in a creamy mixture and then pan-fried to perfection. Top with maple syrup, and you’ve got a breakfast of champions! For a fruity twist, serve with a side of Lemon Blueberry Pancakes.
Keeping Your Strawberry Bread Fresh and Yummy
Made too much strawberry bread? (Is there even such a thing?) No worries! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store your strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’ll remain soft and also delicious.
- Refrigerate: If you want it to last a bit longer, pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to a week.
- Freezing is an Option: If you’ve made extra (because why not?), you can freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
A Little Extra Tip: If you’re looking for a savory dish to balance out this sweet delight, give my Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli also a try. Its rich and cheesy goodness is the perfect counterpart to this fruity bread.
Remember, the joy of baking is not just in the eating but in the sharing. So, slice up that strawberry loaf, share with friends and family, and watch the smiles appear. Happy baking!
What to Pair with Your Strawberry Bread?
Love strawberry bread? Here’s how to make it even yummier:
- Tea: Try it with green tea. It’s a cozy match.
- Spreads: Butter or almond butter? Both taste great on top.
- Fresh Berries: Add blueberries or raspberries on the side.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream is pure joy.
- Yogurt: A spoon of yogurt adds a fun twist.
Hungry for More Bread Adventures? Dive In!
Bread is such a versatile treat. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, there’s a bread recipe just waiting for you to try. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Banana Bread without Baking Soda: Perfect for those who want the classic taste without the baking soda.
- Air Fryer Cornbread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. This cornbread is a game-changer.
- Vegan Banana Bread: All the yumminess, none of the dairy. A win-win!
- Mango Bread Recipe: If you loved the strawberry bread, this tropical twist will be right up your alley.
Each bread has its unique flavor and texture, making every bite a new experience. So, why wait? Get baking and enjoy these delightful breads!
FAQs on Bread with Strawberries
Absolutely! While it’s a treat, this bread contains real strawberries, which are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Just remember, like all desserts, moderation is key.
While the calorie count can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, a typical slice of strawberry bread can range from 180-220 calories. For a precise count, it’s best to use a nutritional calculator or app, especially if you make any modifications to the original recipe. Remember, it’s not just about the calories; it’s about the joy of savoring a homemade treat!
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a handful of chopped nuts can add a delightful twist to the recipe.
Baking is a science. The moisture content can vary based on the size of the strawberries or also the type of flour used. Always follow the recipe closely, and if you find the batter too dry, add a splash of milk. If it’s too wet, a bit more flour should do the trick.
