Strawberry Bread

Discover the irresistible charm of our Strawberry Bread, a delightful quick bread bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a heavenly strawberry glaze. Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert!

Ingredients :

For the Bread:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
• ½ cup 2% milk (4 ounces)
• ½ cup canola oil or coconut oil (4 ounces)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups diced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar (260 grams)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ⅓ cup finely diced strawberries
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)

Directions :

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9″x5″ bread pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Prepare Strawberries: Toss diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour to coat, then gently fold them into the batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Make the Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, adjusting with heavy cream or milk for desired consistency.
7. Finish and Serve: Once cooled, spread the glaze over the bread. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Serving Tips 

• Fresh Presentation: Serve slices of Strawberry Bread on a decorative platter for a visually appealing presentation.
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Morning Treat: Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.

Storage Tips 

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture.
• Longevity: Properly stored, Strawberry Bread can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Option: For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Strawberry Bread at their best with these serving and storage tips!

Variations :

1. Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
2. Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the batter to enhance the fruity profile.
3. Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by blending 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Swirl this mixture into the batter before baking for a creamy addition.
4. Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bread for a decadent touch.
5. Berry Mix: Replace half of the diced strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry variation.
6. Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
7. Spice Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
8. Almond Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch throughout the bread.
9. Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that complements the strawberries.
10. Greek Yogurt Addition: Replace half of the oil with Greek yogurt to enhance the moistness and add a slight tangy flavor.
11. Streusel Topping: Top the bread batter with a streusel made of 1/4 cup each of flour, brown sugar, and cold butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon before baking for a crunchy topping.
12. Lemon Infusion: Substitute the vanilla extract with lemon extract and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrusy flavor.
13. Honey Glaze: Instead of the powdered sugar glaze, drizzle the cooled bread with warm honey for a natural sweetness.
14. Pistachio Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios into the batter for a unique texture and nutty flavor.
15. Maple Syrup Swirl: Create a swirl by mixing 1/4 cup of maple syrup with 1/4 cup of softened butter and swirling it into the batter before baking.
16. Creamy Cheesecake Layer: Create a cheesecake layer by spreading a mixture of 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 egg over half of the batter in the pan before adding the remaining batter on top. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
17. Orange Blossom: Replace the vanilla extract with orange extract and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
18. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the top of the bread batter before baking for a sweet and spiced crust.
19. Chia Seed Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the batter for added nutrition and a slight crunch.
20. Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent treat.
21. Berry Burst: Mix in a combination of diced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and fruity explosion.
22. Cardamom Elegance: Substitute the vanilla extract with cardamom extract or add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor.
23. Peachy Keen: Replace half of the diced strawberries with diced fresh peaches for a juicy and summery twist.
24. Raspberry Ripple: Swirl 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves or jam into the batter before baking for a tangy and sweet surprise.
25. Cocoa Powder Addition: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-infused variation of Strawberry Bread.

Experiment with these variations to create your unique twist on Strawberry Bread, tailored to your taste preferences!

FAQs :

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
   • Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before incorporating them into the batter.
2. How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
   • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
3. Can I omit the glaze?
   • Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own, or you can dust it with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
4. How should I store leftover Strawberry Bread?
   • Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
5. Can I make Strawberry Bread ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can bake the bread in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage. Just add the glaze before serving.
6. Can I make Strawberry Bread without eggs?
   • Yes, you can use egg substitutes like applesauce or mashed banana. Adjust the texture as needed with additional liquid.
7. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?
   • Coating the diced strawberries in flour helps suspend them in the batter and prevents sinking during baking.
8. What adjustments should I make if I use whole wheat flour?
   • Whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture, so you may need to increase the liquid slightly or adjust baking time.
9. Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola or coconut oil?
   • Yes, you can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or melted butter as substitutes. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
10. Is Strawberry Bread suitable for special diets?
    • With adjustments, such as using gluten-free flour and dairy-free substitutes, you can make this recipe suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

Indulge in this Strawberry Bread recipe that promises a moist, fruity experience enhanced by a delectable strawberry glaze. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests at your next gathering!