Strawberry Bread

Strawberry Bread: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Strawberry bread, with its moist, tender crumb and bursts of fresh strawberry flavor, is a delightful treat that perfectly bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. This versatile recipe brings the sweet, aromatic essence of strawberries into a soft, delectable loaf that’s sure to please crowds and become a staple in your baking repertoire. Ideal for brunches, afternoon teas, or simply as a comforting snack, this strawberry bread is not only easy to make but irresistibly delicious. Follow this comprehensive guide to bake the perfect strawberry bread, complete with a luscious glaze that adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups diced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating strawberries)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/3 cup finely diced strawberries
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for desired consistency)

Directions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, milk, oil, egg, and your choice of extract. Stir these ingredients until well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your bread.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix to ensure the bread stays tender.
5. Toss the diced strawberries in 2 tablespoons of flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of your bread as it bakes.
6. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 9″x5″ bread pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

To Make the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries, and extract until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream or milk if desired.
3. Once the bread has cooled, spread the glaze over the top.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Bread

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to integrate smoothly.
• When mixing wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to keep the bread airy and light.
• Fresh strawberries are preferred for their natural sweetness and moisture, but frozen (thawed and drained) can also be used.
• Let the bread cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting and soaking into the bread.

Conclusion

Strawberry bread is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that captures the essence of strawberries in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for any occasion, from a family breakfast to a sophisticated afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to impress. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a delicious strawberry bread that’s both beautiful and bursting with flavor. Enjoy this homemade delight with your loved ones, and let the sweet, comforting taste of strawberries bring joy to your table.