Fresh Strawberry Bread

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. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
5. ¼ teaspoon salt
6. ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
7. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
8. 2 large eggs
9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10. ½ cup sour cream
11. 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

For the Strawberry Glaze (Optional):

1. ½ cup powdered sugar
2. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3. 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:

1. For a more intense strawberry flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of strawberry jam to the batter.
2. To keep the strawberries from sinking to the bottom, lightly toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
3. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of granulated sugar by ¼ cup.

Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Bread!