Name: Fresh Strawberry Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1-3/4 cups All Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 lemon Lemon Zest (finely zested); 1/2 cup Honey (runny); 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 3/4 cup Buttermilk; 10 oz 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (chopped); Turbinado sugar for sprinkling Optional

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There’s something truly special about baking with fresh strawberries, isn’t there? The first time I made Fresh Strawberry Bread, it was a warm spring morning, and I had just come back from the local farmer’s market with a basket brimming with ripe strawberries. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and I could already envision the delightful aroma that would soon fill my kitchen. As I sliced through the juicy berries, their sweet scent filled the air, instantly transporting me to my childhood days of picking strawberries with my grandma. That sense of nostalgia, combined with the ease of baking this bread, makes it a go-to recipe for me. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories and love infused into each loaf.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
65 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Loaf Pan 8.5 x 4.5 x 3-Inch

What We Adore About This Fresh Strawberry Bread

1. Juicy Freshness

One of the best aspects of Fresh Strawberry Bread is, of course, the fresh strawberries. They bring a burst of natural sweetness and a beautiful color that makes every slice feel like a celebration of spring. The strawberries maintain their moistness during baking, giving the bread delightful pockets of flavor.

2. A Perfect Morning Treat

This bread is not only a fantastic dessert but also makes for a perfect breakfast option. Imagine starting your day with a slice of warm bread, spread with a little butter, and perhaps a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s a sweet way to fuel your morning!

3. Easy to Make

If you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe incredibly forgiving. It doesn’t require any special skills or fancy equipment. Just mix the ingredients, fold in the strawberries, and bake. I promise, it will turn out deliciously every time!

4. Versatile and Customizable

Feeling adventurous? You can easily add your favorite nuts or even some dark chocolate chunks to elevate the flavor profile. The base recipe is a blank canvas, allowing you to create your own signature loaf!

5. Perfect for Sharing

Whether it’s a brunch gathering, a picnic, or just a treat for your family, this bread is perfect for sharing. The smiles and compliments you receive when serving it will make all the effort worthwhile. Every loaf is a testament to the simple pleasure of baking.

What to Buy for Fresh Strawberry Bread

When crafting Fresh Strawberry Bread, using high-quality ingredients is essential. Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Combining them with pantry staples like all-purpose flour and baking powder creates the perfect balance for a delightful loaf.

All Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the recipe. It provides structure and stability to the bread, allowing it to rise beautifully.
Baking Powder: Essential for the bread to rise, it gives a light and fluffy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the dense sweetness of the strawberries.
Baking Soda: This helps in the leavening process, ensuring the bread doesn’t become too dense.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and balances the flavors.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bread.
Lemon Zest: Adds a subtle brightness that complements the strawberries wonderfully.
Honey: This natural sweetener adds depth and richness, making the bread moist.
Vegetable Oil: For added moisture, it helps keep the bread soft and tender.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Buttermilk: This ingredient contributes to the tenderness of the bread and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient! They infuse the bread with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Turbinado Sugar: Optional, but it adds a delightful crunch to the top of the bread when sprinkled before baking.

Recipe Directions for Fresh Strawberry Bread

Making Fresh Strawberry Bread is a delightful experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Follow along as we transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering loaf. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. The oven needs to be hot and ready to ensure the bread bakes evenly and rises properly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Make sure they are well combined, as this will help the bread to rise uniformly.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and well blended.
Stir in the buttermilk until combined. This adds moisture and a slight tang, creating a delicious flavor profile.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Separate 2-3 tablespoons of strawberries and set them aside. Toss the rest with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them lightly. This helps prevent the berries from sinking in the batter.
Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter. You want to distribute them evenly without overworking the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly, then top with the reserved strawberries. If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for added texture.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After about 30 minutes, check the bread and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Things Worth Knowing

Use Fresh Strawberries: Ensure you use fresh and firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Overripe berries can make the bread soggy.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Make sure yours is accurate to prevent under or over-baking the bread.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow it to set properly, which makes for cleaner slices.

Making Adjustments

Every baker has their own touch, and making adjustments to the Fresh Strawberry Bread recipe can lead to exciting outcomes. Here are some tips to help you personalize this delicious loaf!

Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for longer freshness.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this bread! Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will last for about three months in the freezer. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Pairing: Enjoy this bread with a light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness.
Variations: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different fruits!
Serving Suggestions: This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack or breakfast treat.

Accompaniments for Fresh Strawberry Bread

When serving Fresh Strawberry Bread, there are plenty of delightful accompaniments to enhance your experience. Here are some ideas!

Tea or Coffee: A warm slice of this bread pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
Fresh Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a touch of indulgence, especially when serving it for dessert.
Salad: Pairing this bread with a fresh salad makes for a well-rounded meal. Consider a light spinach salad dressed with vinaigrette.
Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of homemade fruit compote to amplify the strawberry flavor or mix it up with other seasonal fruits.
Picnics: This bread is perfect for picnics! Its portability makes it easy to slice and share with friends and family.
Seasonal Events: Bring this bread to spring gatherings, brunches, or even as a thoughtful gift during the holidays. Everyone will appreciate the sweetness!

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the bread. Frozen strawberries may also be softer than fresh ones, which could affect the texture of your loaf. Just be sure to coat them in flour before adding them to the batter to help them hold their shape.

To keep your Fresh Strawberry Bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will stay good in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature.

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of Fresh Strawberry Bread, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help the bread maintain its structure. The results can be just as delicious!

Fresh Strawberry Bread can be enjoyed on its own or served with a variety of accompaniments. It’s delicious with a light spread of butter, or you could pair it with whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. Additionally, a side of fresh fruit or a light salad complements the sweetness perfectly.

Conclusion

Fresh Strawberry Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries while creating lasting memories in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and bake this scrumptious bread today. Whether you share it with family or savor it all yourself, you won’t regret making this sweet little treat!