If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that feels like a hug from the inside, this Strawberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist bread bursting with juicy strawberry chunks, subtle hints of almond and vanilla, and a sweet glaze that adds just the right touch of decadence. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert that everyone will rave about. This recipe is a joyous celebration of fresh strawberries transformed into something truly special and heartwarming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Strawberry Bread Recipe so charming is its blend of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a loaf packed with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part, from the tangy lemon-infused milk that tenderizes the crumb to the rich butter and oil that keep the bread perfectly moist.
- Milk (½ cup): Room temperature milk neutralized with lemon juice for a subtle tang and tender crumb.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Reacts with baking powder to help the bread rise beautifully and adds brightness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for a soft yet sturdy bread structure.
- Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Leavens the bread, making it light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens naturally and aids in browning the crust.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds rich flavor and moistness when melted perfectly.
- Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the bread tender and ensures a soft texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle nutty accent that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
- Chopped fresh strawberries (1 cup): The star of the show—bursting with fresh, juicy flavor and bright color.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): For a sweet, smooth glaze that finishes the bread elegantly.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Lightens the glaze to just the right consistency.
- Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the glaze with a hint of vanilla aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This helps ensure your bread releases easily once it’s baked to golden goodness.
Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Substitute
Pour your room temperature milk into a glass and stir in lemon juice. Let this sit for about 10 minutes—this tangy mix will react with baking powder to give your bread the perfect light texture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a flawless rise.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, blend the sugar with melted butter and vegetable oil until well mixed. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and almond extracts, and finally the lemon-infused milk. This luscious mixture is the flavorful heart of your bread batter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to toughness, so a light hand here will keep the bread tender.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, taking care to avoid crushing them too much, to keep lovely bursts of juicy fruit throughout the bread.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle this glaze on top for a shiny, sweet finish that perfectly balances the fruity bread.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar make charming garnishes that elevate the bread’s presentation and add a fresh burst of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to brighten your breakfast or brunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly, then spreading with cream cheese or mascarpone for an indulgent twist. Or, for a fun party idea, cut into cubes and serve with a bowl of chocolate fondue for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover strawberry bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This prevents it from drying out while keeping it soft and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, this Strawberry Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them for a delightful fresh-from-the-oven feel. The glaze melts slightly, adding to the bread’s irresistible charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could alter the texture of the bread.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter to keep it delicious and moist.
How long does the Strawberry Bread keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend this, though it may dry out faster.
Can I omit the almond extract?
Certainly! It adds a lovely hint of nuttiness, but the bread will still be flavorful and delicious without it.
What is the best way to slice the bread?
Use a serrated knife and cut gently with a sawing motion to avoid squishing the soft, tender crumb and juicy strawberries.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simple pleasure of fresh strawberries baked into a loaf of moist, fragrant bread. This Strawberry Bread Recipe wraps up sweet fruit, cozy flavors, and a tender texture into one irresistible package. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy those happy moments with every slice. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Strawberry Bread Recipe is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this strawberry bread combines a tender crumb with a hint of almond extract and a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- ½ cup milk (114 grams, room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (9 grams, from ½ lemon)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder (6 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, melted, 1 stick)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (50 grams)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (2 grams)
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (167 grams)
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (85 grams)
- 1 tablespoon milk (14 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make Buttermilk Substitute: Measure out the milk into a glass and stir in the lemon juice. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to curdle slightly and form a buttermilk substitute that adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix the granulated sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the prepared milk mixture. Beat together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the strawberry bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the bread has cooled completely, remove it from the pan and drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix better and produce a more even texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid tough bread.
- Fresh strawberries add the best flavor; frozen can be used but drain excess moisture before folding in.
- The almond extract enhances the strawberry flavor but can be omitted if allergic or undesired.
- Allow the bread to cool before glazing to prevent melting the glaze completely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
