Strawberry Bread Recipe: A Delightfully Sweet and Easy Bake
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of fruity goodness? This strawberry bread recipe is your ticket to a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Forget store-bought – this homemade version is incredibly easy to make and far superior in taste!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Gather these before you start:
- For the Strawberries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve a few for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions for Baking Perfection:
Follow these easy steps for a perfectly baked strawberry bread:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This helps release their juices and enhances their sweetness. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the sugared strawberries.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with reserved strawberries before serving.
Tips for Strawberry Bread Success:
- Use ripe strawberries: Ripe strawberries will yield the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to test if the bread is baked through.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely will prevent it from crumbling.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
- Use different berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would also work well.
- Make it a glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) over the cooled bread.
- Serve it warm: Enjoy a slice warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
This strawberry bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet rewards!
