This Strawberry Bread is the ultimate blend of fresh fruit and soft, tender crumb. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness of strawberries, perfectly complemented by a silky glaze that adds just the right amount of richness. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this quick bread is sure to impress with its delightful texture and balance of flavors.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dessert, this bread is as versatile as it is delicious. The fresh strawberries add natural moisture, making every slice soft and decadent. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat, or serve it as a sweet surprise at any gathering. Enjoy the magic of homemade baking with this irresistible strawberry bread!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 2% milk
- ½ cup canola oil or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9″x5″ loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add milk or cream as needed.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled bread, slice, and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 394 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Strawberry Bread with Fresh Strawberry Glaze – A Delightful Homemade Treat
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a warm loaf of banana bread, a cinnamon-swirled coffee cake, or a rich, buttery pound cake, baked goods have a way of bringing joy to the table. Among these classic baked treats, strawberry bread stands out as a delightful and refreshing option, especially when paired with a luscious fresh strawberry glaze.
This quick bread is soft, moist, and bursting with real strawberry flavor, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. Unlike many strawberry flavored baked goods that rely on artificial extracts or flavorings, this recipe makes use of fresh strawberries, giving it a naturally sweet and fruity taste that is both satisfying and wholesome.
What Makes This Strawberry Bread Special?
Strawberry bread is a quick bread, which means it doesn’t require yeast or proofing time. Instead, it is leavened with baking powder, allowing it to rise beautifully in the oven without any extra waiting time. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to bake something quick and easy without the hassle of kneading dough or waiting for it to rise.
What makes this particular recipe stand out is its combination of soft, cake-like texture and the burst of fresh strawberries in every bite. Many fruit-based breads can become overly dense or soggy due to the moisture content of the fruit, but in this recipe, a few simple techniques help maintain the perfect balance of tenderness and structure. Tossing the diced strawberries in flour before folding them into the batter prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
Another standout feature is the homemade strawberry glaze, which adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and enhances the overall strawberry flavor. The glaze is made with just a few simple ingredients, including powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and fresh diced strawberries. It provides a smooth and creamy finishing touch, making each slice even more indulgent.
The Secret to Moist and Flavorful Strawberry Bread
Baking with fresh fruit can be tricky, especially when it comes to achieving the right texture. Here are a few key tips that ensure your strawberry bread comes out perfectly moist and flavorful every time:
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Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
- The best strawberry bread starts with high-quality strawberries. Look for ripe, sweet, and juicy strawberries rather than underripe or overly firm ones. The natural sweetness and moisture from the fresh fruit contribute to both the texture and the flavor of the bread.
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Avoid Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough loaf rather than a soft and tender one. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the ingredients are incorporated. Overworking the batter develops excess gluten, which can result in a firmer texture.
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Coat the Strawberries with Flour
- Before adding the diced strawberries to the batter, toss them with a little flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking, ensuring even distribution of fruit in every slice.
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Let the Bread Cool Completely Before Adding the Glaze
- A common mistake is applying the glaze while the bread is still warm. Doing so can cause the glaze to melt and become too runny. Wait until the bread is fully cooled before spreading the glaze on top for the best results.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread
One of the best things about strawberry bread is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in many different ways, depending on the occasion:
- As a Breakfast Treat: Serve a warm slice with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for a delicious morning meal.
- With Coffee or Tea: The slightly sweet and fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- As a Dessert: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- For Brunch Gatherings: This bread makes a great addition to a brunch spread, alongside muffins, pastries, and fresh fruit.
- Gift-Worthy Treat: Homemade strawberry bread also makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. Wrap it in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
Storing and Freezing Strawberry Bread
Since this bread is made with fresh fruit, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness. Here’s how to store it:
- At Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer. Because the glaze contains fresh strawberries, refrigeration is recommended.
- Freezing: Strawberry bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.
Variations and Customizations
While this strawberry bread recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it in various ways to suit your taste preferences:
- Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Strawberry Bread: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Lemon Strawberry Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
- Strawberry Banana Bread: Replace half of the oil with mashed bananas for an extra moist and fruity variation.
- Vegan Strawberry Bread: Substitute plant-based milk, coconut oil, and a flaxseed egg to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Strawberry bread is a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe that brings the fresh, sweet flavors of strawberries into a soft, moist loaf. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a delightful snack, or a homemade treat to share with loved ones, this recipe is a fantastic choice. The combination of tender crumb, juicy strawberries, and a velvety strawberry glaze makes it an instant favorite for anyone who tries it.
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you can create a bakery-quality loaf that will impress your family and friends. Plus, the recipe is beginner-friendly, making it an ideal baking project for all skill levels.
So, the next time you have some ripe strawberries on hand, why not turn them into a beautiful homemade strawberry bread? Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of fruitiness, sweetness, and comforting homemade goodness!