Strawberry Bread: The Ultimate Strawberry Bread Recipe
Introduction to Strawberry Bread
Strawberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the fresh flavors of strawberries with a moist, tender loaf. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack at any time of the day. With its vibrant color and sweet glaze, this bread not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful on your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this strawberry bread will surely impress your family and friends.
A Personal Story Behind My Strawberry Bread Journey
Growing up, my grandmother made the most wonderful strawberry bread during the summer months when strawberries were in season. The sweet aroma that filled her kitchen as it baked is a fond memory I cherish. I remember gathering fresh strawberries from the garden, eagerly waiting for her to mix them into the batter. This recipe brings back those lovely memories, and I am excited to share it with you so you can create your own special moments.
What Makes This Strawberry Bread Recipe Special?
What sets this strawberry bread apart is its light texture and the burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. The addition of a luscious glaze elevates the bread to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe is not only simple but also allows for variations, such as adding nuts or other fruits, making it versatile for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe strawberries that you may have sitting in your kitchen!
The Full Strawberry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). This step is crucial for even baking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of oil, the egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9″x5″ bread pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced strawberries, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, spread the glaze generously over the top. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or additional strawberries on top for extra flair!
- Slice and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Strawberry Bread
This strawberry bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a breakfast option, enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also experiment with variations by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can mix in some lemon zest to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Bread
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How do I store the strawberry bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Strawberry Bread with Glaze
Equipment
- 9"x5" bread pan Greased before pouring in the batter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of oil, the egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9"x5" bread pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced strawberries, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, spread the glaze generously over the top. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or additional strawberries on top for extra flair!
- Slice and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.