Strawberry Bread Recipe

This Strawberry Bread is pure joy in a loaf—soft, moist, and bursting with the sweet, sun-kissed flavor of real strawberries. Crowned with a tangy lemon-strawberry glaze, every slice will brighten your morning or bring a charming finish to any meal. Trust me, you’re going to crave this irresistible treat all year round!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Bread truly shines because of its straightforward, powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a special role—ensuring you get a gorgeous crumb, tender bite, and that signature strawberry punch in every slice.

• Fresh Strawberries (8 oz, pureed): Pureeing real strawberries is the secret behind the bread’s vibrant color and flavor—you’ll taste summer in every bite.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Just the right amount to sweeten the loaf and balance the tanginess of berries and lemon.
• Eggs (2): These bind everything together and add richness to the crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla heightens the natural sweetness of strawberries without overpowering them.
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Oil keeps the bread extra tender and moist—no dry loaves here!
• All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The perfect foundation for a soft but sturdy loaf that slices beautifully.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) + Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): This duo ensures the bread rises tall and light.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch that wakes up all the other flavors.
• Lemon, Zested (1): Lemon zest cuts through the sweetness and livens up the berry flavor delightfully.
• Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds velvety richness for an incredibly soft, tender crumb.
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups, for glaze): The base for that glossy, drizzly glaze you’ll want to put on everything.
• Lemon Juice (from 1/2 lemon, for glaze): Fresh, tart juice brings refreshing zing to the glaze.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries (1/2 cup, crushed, for glaze): Intensifies color and flavor on top—plus, it makes your bread look absolutely irresistible.

Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Bread is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you’re making swaps, adjusting for allergies, or just following your cravings, there are so many delicious twists you can try!

• Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent, kid-friendly treat.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend—the bread still comes out tender and moist.
• Nuts About It: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for some extra crunch.
• Berry Mix-Up: Try swapping half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a fun medley of fruit flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure the bread bakes up golden and rises evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper for easy, mess-free removal later on—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture

Beat the sugar and eggs together with a hand mixer until the mixture turns pale and creamy—this helps create that delightfully soft texture. Slowly drizzle in the oil, then gently add your strawberry puree and vanilla; these bring the signature flavor and a gorgeous, naturally rosy hue.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fresh lemon zest. Whisking ensures everything gets evenly distributed, so there’s no clumping or unpleasant surprises.

Step 4: Combine & Fold

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being gentle so you don’t over-mix (which can toughen the bread). Add the sour cream near the end—this extra step guarantees a tender, dreamy crumb.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Glaze & Finish

Cool the loaf on a wire rack for five minutes, then carefully lift it out and let it cool a bit more. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze, drizzle generously over the cooled bread, and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Bread

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle extra freeze-dried strawberries on top of the glaze or scatter fresh strawberry slices. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant, bakery-style touch—simple, pretty, and irresistible!

Side Dishes

Pair a thick slice of this Strawberry Bread with vanilla yogurt and mixed berries for a homemade brunch spread, or serve alongside a creamy latte or cold brew. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to a slightly warmed slice is seriously next-level.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and arranging it on a pretty platter with edible flowers and a bowl of extra glaze for dipping at a spring tea, or wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with string for the sweetest homemade lunchbox surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Strawberry Bread fresh by storing it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This lets the flavors meld and the crumb stay perfectly moist.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the completely cooled bread (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and glaze just before serving for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. The aroma of strawberries will fill your kitchen again, and the glaze will become just a touch gooey—for many, the very best part!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a bake that feels like sunshine in a loaf pan, Strawberry Bread is your answer. It’s simple, stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—your tastebuds (and anyone lucky enough to share a slice) will thank you!

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