Strawberry Bread – A Sweet and Moist Delight

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade strawberry bread. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. I love how this bread combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a soft, moist texture. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, this strawberry bread is always a hit.

A Perfectly Balanced Strawberry Treat

This recipe creates a beautifully moist and flavorful loaf. The combination of fresh strawberries and a light, buttery glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. The diced strawberries not only bring a burst of fruity goodness but also keep the bread soft and tender. Every bite is filled with juicy strawberry pieces, making it an absolute treat.

What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a homemade bread that feels special. No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy. Plus, the strawberry glaze on top adds an extra layer of deliciousness that makes this bread truly irresistible.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this strawberry bread is a must-try. It’s an easy, foolproof recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Strawberry Bread

To make this delicious strawberry bread, you’ll need simple pantry staples combined with fresh strawberries. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a moist and flavorful loaf.

For the Bread:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.

• 1/2 cup milk – Keeps the bread moist and soft.

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Adds richness and ensures a soft texture.

• 1 egg – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the bread and gives it structure.

• 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.

• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

• 2 cups strawberries (diced) – Fresh, juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and moisture.

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour – Coats the diced strawberries to prevent them from sinking in the batter.

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet glaze.

• 2 Tbsp butter (melted) – Adds richness and a silky texture.

• 1/2 cup strawberries (diced) – Gives the glaze a fresh, fruity flavor.

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Complements the sweetness with a warm aroma.

How to Make Strawberry Bread

This recipe is simple, requiring just a few easy steps. The result is a soft, flavorful bread with a beautiful glaze that enhances the fresh strawberry flavor.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes for an easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture creates a smooth and slightly creamy base for the bread.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add the baking powder and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to incorporate. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so stir only until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries

In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This step prevents the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking.

Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break the berries and affect the bread’s texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze. Cooling prevents the glaze from melting too quickly when drizzled over the bread.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the strawberry glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This homemade strawberry bread is a simple yet delightful treat that bursts with fresh fruit flavor. Whether served as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite!

How Long to Bake Strawberry Bread

Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of the strawberries. However, general guidelines ensure perfect results every time:

• Standard Loaf (9×5-inch pan) – Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

• Mini Loaves – If using smaller loaf pans, reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

• Muffins – For individual portions, bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes.

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

How to Store Strawberry Bread

If you have leftovers, proper storage ensures the bread stays fresh and delicious for days.

At Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

In the Refrigerator:

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

• Let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

• To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Bread

A few simple tricks can help you achieve bakery-quality results:

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

The sweetness of the bread depends on the quality of the fruit. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.

2. Toss Strawberries in Flour

This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking. A light coating of flour helps distribute them evenly.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing leads to a dense, tough texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread soft.

4. Adjust Sweetness if Needed

If your strawberries are very sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar. If they are tart, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar.

5. Let the Bread Cool Before Adding Glaze

Applying the glaze while the bread is warm will cause it to melt and soak in too much. Wait until it’s fully cool for a perfect drizzle.

This strawberry bread is light, moist, and packed with fresh fruit flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain or with the sweet glaze, it’s a wonderful treat for any time of the day!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, but frozen strawberries contain more moisture, which can affect the texture of the bread. If using frozen strawberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. Toss them in flour as you would with fresh strawberries to prevent sinking. You may also need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

2. How Do I Prevent My Bread from Becoming Too Dense?

A dense loaf is often caused by overmixing the batter. Stir the ingredients just until combined—do not overwork the flour. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can prevent the bread from rising properly.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! You can replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For the glaze, swap the butter with a dairy-free substitute or leave it out entirely for a lighter drizzle.

4. Why Did My Bread Sink in the Middle?

A sunken center can happen for a few reasons:

• Underbaking: If the center is still raw, it will collapse as it cools. Always check with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

• Too Much Moisture: Overly juicy strawberries or adding extra liquid can make the batter too wet. Measure ingredients carefully.

• Overmixing: Mixing too much develops gluten, leading to a dense and sunken loaf. Stir gently for the best results.