Welcome, dear readers, to another delicious adventure in baking! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you what I believe to be the best strawberry bread recipe. This sweet, moist, and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With the fresh taste of strawberries baked into a tender loaf and topped with a delightful strawberry glaze, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and start baking!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• ½ cup whole milk (120mL)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (120mL)
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries (230g)

For the Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons diced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• 1 teaspoon whole milk

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Baking spray
• Medium bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Small bowl
• Wooden pick
• Wire rack

Instructions

Preparing the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Prepare Strawberries: In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of flour, tossing to coat the strawberries. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the coated strawberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Baking the Bread

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the Glaze

10. Mash Strawberries: In a small bowl, place the diced strawberries and mash them with a fork or spoon.
11. Mix Glaze: Stir in the powdered sugar and milk until well combined and smooth.
12. Glaze the Bread: Spoon the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry bread is perfect served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Tips and Variations

• Berry Mix: Try adding a mix of berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the bread’s structure.

How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

To avoid a dense bread, make sure not to overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the bread heavy.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a tender, moist crumb. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to the availability of fresh or frozen strawberries. The simple yet flavorful glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each slice a little piece of heaven. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this delicious strawberry bread as much as I do.