Introduction
Strawberry bread is a deliciously moist and sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. This easy recipe is packed with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a delightful glaze, making it a delightful addition to any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a loaf that bursts with the taste of strawberries in every bite. Whether enjoyed warm straight from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, this bread is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
250g all-purpose flour
150g granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
120ml vegetable oil
2 large eggs
120ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g fresh strawberries, chopped
50g chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and nuts if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, large eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and chopped nuts if you are using them, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Prepare the Batter for Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter for even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Bread
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once the bread is completely cooled, slice it and enjoy your delicious strawberry bread!
Notes
Strawberry Selection
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and moisture. Check for ripeness and avoid any that are overly soft or moldy.
Storage
Store the leftover strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits or spices, such as bananas or cinnamon, to customize the bread to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry bread is delightful on its own, but you can also enjoy it with cream cheese spread, fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store the strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. Place the bread in a sealed container or wrap it in plastic wrap, and it will last for about 5-7 days.
Freezer:
For extended storage, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strawberry bread warm or at room temperature, slice into thick pieces. It pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, enjoy it alongside whipped cream or serve it with fresh strawberries on the side.
Nutritional Information
Calories per slice (1/12 of the loaf): Approximately 180
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g
*Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are looking to make modifications, consider the following substitutions:
Flour:
Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a denser and healthier option.
Sugar:
You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey (reduce the liquid in the recipe if using honey) for a more natural sweetener.
Vegetable Oil:
Replace with melted coconut oil, applesauce, or yogurt for a healthier fat alternative.
Milk:
Dairy milk can be substituted with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Eggs:
Use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup for one egg) for an egg-free version.
Strawberries:
For a different flavor, substitute with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries.
Nuts:
Omit nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different texture.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
When preparing the batter, it’s essential to whisk together your dry ingredients evenly. This ensures that the baking powder, baking soda, and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a uniform rise in the bread.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Mixing your wet ingredients thoroughly ensures that the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract blend well together. This creates a smoother batter, which is crucial for an even texture in the final product.
Folding in Ingredients
When adding the chopped strawberries and nuts, gently fold them into the batter. This technique prevents the strawberries from breaking down too much, allowing larger pieces to maintain their shape and flavor.
Baking Technique
Preheating the oven is crucial for proper baking. Make sure your oven reaches the specified temperature before placing your bread inside. This ensures even cooking and a nice rise.
Cooling the Bread
Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps to set the structure of the bread, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
How do I store leftover strawberry bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I add other ingredients to the bread?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, other fruits, or spices like cinnamon for additional flavor.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
A dense bread can sometimes result from overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix until just combined, and avoid overworking the ingredients.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done. If it has wet batter, bake for additional time.
Conclusion
Enjoying a slice of this moist and sweet strawberry bread is a delightful experience, whether it’s for breakfast or as a satisfying dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries and a light glaze elevates this simple loaf into a tasty treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart.
Strawberry Banana Bread
Combine the flavors of strawberries and bananas for a wonderful twist on the classic bread. Add mashed ripe bananas along with the strawberries for extra moisture and sweetness.
Strawberry Lemon Bread
Enhance the refreshing flavor by adding lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice. The tartness of the lemon beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Chocolate Strawberry Bread
Introduce chocolate by adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also fold in chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent variation that will please any chocolate lover.
Strawberry Walnut Bread
For a nutty crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts. This addition provides texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the softness of the strawberries.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Swirl in cream cheese batter for a rich, creamy texture. You can create a delightful marbled effect and add a rich flavor to your strawberry bread.
Almond Strawberry Bread
Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique nutty flavor. Almonds pair beautifully with strawberries and add an extra layer of taste to the bread.
Strawberry Oat Bread
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with rolled oats for a heartier bread that’s great for breakfast. This variation adds fiber and a delightful chewiness.