Strawberry Bread Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that bursts with juicy sweetness and warms your heart with every bite, then this Strawberry Bread recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, moist slices filled with fresh strawberries and a hint of cinnamon, perfectly balanced by crunchy pecans and a golden crust. Strawberry Bread is not just any quick bread; it’s like having the essence of summer’s sweetest berries wrapped up in a slice of pure comfort. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread promises to brighten your day and bring smiles around your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Bread lies in its simple, well-picked ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a vibrant, flavorful loaf. Each component plays a key role, from the fresh strawberries that give the bread its juicy sweetness to the cinnamon adding a warm spice, and the pecans providing a delightful crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this gorgeous bread to life:

• Fresh strawberries (2 cups): Choose ripe, juicy berries to maximize berry flavor and moisture.
• White sugar (1 tablespoon for coating strawberries): This gently sweetens and helps draw out the juices from the strawberries.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/8 cups): The foundation for the bread’s tender crumb and structure.
• White sugar (2 cups): Essential for sweetness and helping with the bread’s moist texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and aromatic depth that perfectly complements the strawberries.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread its rise and light texture.
• Vegetable oil (1 1/4 cups): Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
• Large eggs, beaten (4): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Chopped pecans (1 1/4 cups): For a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.

How to Make Strawberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures a perfect baking temperature for a beautifully even rise and golden crust. Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking and help your Strawberry Bread slide out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Slice the fresh strawberries and place them in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the tablespoon of white sugar over them, tossing gently to coat. This simple step helps the strawberries release their juices, which infuses the bread with natural sweetness and moisture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is key to ensuring the bread bakes evenly, with all those wonderful flavors evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Strawberry Mixture

Blend the vegetable oil and beaten eggs into the sugared strawberries. This creates a flavorful, moist base to add to your dry ingredients. Pour the strawberry mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the dry flour is moistened. Over-mixing can lead to a dense bread, so keep it light and tender.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Bake

Lastly, fold in the chopped pecans to add that irresistible crunch and counterbalance the soft, fruity texture. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake your Strawberry Bread in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember to test each loaf separately to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, gently turn them out to cool completely before slicing. This resting time sets the crumb and makes slicing easier, preserving that stunning strawberry flavor throughout.

How to Serve Strawberry Bread

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the top for a delicate, snowy finish that makes the bread look as good as it tastes. For an extra special touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese complements the strawberry flavors beautifully, adding creaminess and balance.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, a cup of tea or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. It all depends on the moment—simple breakfasts, afternoon gatherings, or cozy kitchen treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Strawberry Bread into charming individual servings by cutting into thick slices and toasting them lightly. Top with a smear of butter or nut butter for a quick snack. Alternatively, cut into cubes and use in fruit bread pudding or trifles to impress guests with layers of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Strawberry Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps it retain its moisture and prevents drying out, so every slice tastes fresh and inviting.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Strawberry Bread later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Frozen Strawberry Bread stays delicious for up to three months, ready whenever you want a sweet, fruity treat.

Reheating

To revive your Strawberry Bread, thaw frozen slices at room temperature, then warm briefly in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through. This restores that freshly baked softness and aroma that makes every bite special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen if fresh are unavailable. Be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pecans?

You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version. Each nut adds its own unique crunch and flavor, but the bread will still be delicious without them.

Is this Strawberry Bread gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when the Strawberry Bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If there is wet batter, it needs more baking time.

Can I make this recipe in one loaf pan instead of two?

You can use a larger loaf pan, but the baking time will increase. Keep an eye on the bread and test with a toothpick starting at around 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Bread is such a joyful recipe to make and share. With its beautiful blend of fresh strawberries, warm spices, and nutty crunch, it’s a treat that feels both homemade and special. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how wonderfully Strawberry Bread can brighten your mornings, afternoons, and any time in between. Once you experience that perfect slice, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished favorite to come back to again and again.

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