Strawberry Bread: A Cozy Slice of Summer
As the days grow longer and the sun warms the earth, there’s something undeniably enchanting about the arrival of fresh strawberries at the market. Their vibrant color and sweet aroma awaken memories of lazy summer days spent at the orchard, picking the juiciest berries straight from the vine. One of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy these beauties is by baking them into a cozy loaf of Strawberry Bread, a recipe that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a tender, buttery bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
This easy Strawberry Bread recipe is bursting with flavor and love, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. From the first golden slice to the last crumb, this wonderfully moist bread will fill your home with a sweet and inviting aroma. Believe me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Flavorful: This Strawberry Bread is loaded with fresh strawberries that deliver a burst of sweet, juicy flavor in every bite.
- Quick to Prepare: Mix it up in under 15 minutes for an effortless homemade treat, perfect for busy mornings or special gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Everyone from toddlers to grandparents will adore this delightful bread, making it a great addition to potlucks or brunches.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or a lovely dessert; it’s delicious any time of the day!
- Irresistibly Moist: Infused with the goodness of milk, oil, and strawberries, this bread stays perfectly moist and tender for days.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 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 (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing strawberries)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract, for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for glaze)
How to Make Strawberry Bread
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of flour to coat. Gently fold these beautiful, floured strawberries into your batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9"x5" bread pan, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350ºF, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma while baking will be heavenly!
- Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk.
- Once the bread is completely cool, spread the luscious glaze on top, letting it drizzle down the sides if you like.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful Strawberry Bread! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and rich flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a vibrant, zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweet twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for an indulgent treat.
- Banana Bliss: Mix in one mashed ripe banana for a moist, banana-strawberry fusion that’s simply irresistible!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can bake the Strawberry Bread a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it will stay moist and delicious.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have milk on hand? Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil makes for a lovely nutty flavor!
- Perfect Slices: For clean, precise slices, use a serrated bread knife; this helps maintain the beautiful shape of the loaf.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to 3 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk, and switch the oil based on your preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness.
How long does it last?
Stored properly, this Strawberry Bread will remain delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Wrapping It Up
This Strawberry Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a beautiful way to celebrate the sweet moments of life. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it beckons everyone to gather around the table and share a slice. So, whether you’re hosting a summery brunch or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, this Strawberry Bread will surely enchant your taste buds. Save this Strawberry Bread to your baking board so it’s ready when you need to create a warm, comforting treat!
Strawberry Bread
Ingredients
For the bread
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for tossing strawberries
For the glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk optional, for glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of flour to coat. Gently fold these strawberries into your batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9"x5" bread pan, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed.
Baking
- Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350ºF, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- If you prefer a thinner glaze, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk.
- Once the bread is completely cool, spread the glaze on top, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Serving
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful Strawberry Bread!
