Fresh Strawberry Bread is a delightful, moist, and flavorful quick bread that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. With its tender crumb and burst of fresh fruit, this bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. The addition of strawberries adds a refreshing twist to classic quick breads, making it a favorite for strawberry lovers.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
For the Strawberry Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed. Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the diced strawberries into the batter using a spatula. Ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter, but mix gently to avoid breaking up the fruit too much.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to create an even surface for baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and have a slightly domed shape.
Step 8: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 9: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze (Optional)
While the bread is cooling, prepare the optional glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed; it should be thick but pourable.
Step 10: Glaze the Bread (Optional)
Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a small whisk to create a decorative pattern with the glaze.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
Slice the bread into individual pieces and serve. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a delicious addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Step 12: Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to customize the bread by adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flavor. You can also use other fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
Step 13: Making Ahead
This bread can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, consider freezing it.
Step 14: Storing and Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If the bread was glazed, it’s best to freeze it without the glaze and add it after thawing.
Step 15: Enjoy Your Bread
Fresh Strawberry Bread is a delightful treat that brings the taste of summer into any season. Enjoy the moist, tender texture and the sweet burst of strawberries in every bite.
Additional Tips:
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of strawberry jam to the batter.
- To keep the strawberries from sinking to the bottom, lightly toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
- If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of granulated sugar by ¼ cup.
Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Bread!
