There’s something truly magical about the onset of strawberry season; the bright red, succulent berries seem to usher in the warmth of summer, promising sweet indulgence. Reflecting on my childhood, I remember when my grandmother would take me to the local farm, where we’d spend hours picking the juiciest strawberries. We’d come home with not just baskets, but ideas galore for what we could create. One sweet memory stands out: the day she baked a loaf of Glazed Strawberry Bread. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating, as if the strawberries themselves were singing to us. With every slice, we’d relish the tender crumb, the burst of fresh strawberries, and a glaze that added just the right amount of sweetness. Today, I’m excited to share that cherished recipe with you.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 1 hour
- Total Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves approximately 8
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Strawberry Bread
This Glazed Strawberry Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory. Imagine biting into a slice with sun-warmed strawberries mingling with a hint of vanilla and a delicate drizzle of glaze that makes each bite feel special. The best part? This bread is versatile! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as dessert. The way it captures the essence of strawberries, alongside the comforting aroma of baking, makes it an ideal dish to enjoy with family or friends.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, creating a loaf that encapsulates sunshine and joy. Get ready to mix, bake, and glaze your way to a delightful treat that fills the kitchen with love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly, ensuring a well-risen loaf.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely blended into a smooth mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, letting their bright colors and sweet fragrance permeate the batter.
Step 6: Pour Batter into the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top, ensuring an even bake throughout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the incredible smell that fills your kitchen while you wait!
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth glaze.
Step 9: Drizzle & Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Glazed Strawberry Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience! Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, alongside a cup of tea, or even toast a slice and spread a little butter on it. It makes for an exquisite brunch item or a sweet surprise for guests during afternoon tea.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
To keep your bread fresh, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freeze slices individually and pull them out as needed, to enjoy the taste of summer year-round!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Choosing Strawberries: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until combined will yield a tender loaf.
- Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking earlier to avoid overbaking.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a half-cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or switch up the fruit with blueberries or raspberries. You could even experiment with a splash of lemon juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Why is my bread dense?
- Ensure you’re not overmixing and measuring flour correctly; too much flour can lead to density.
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Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, but be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
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What do I do if my glaze is too thick?
- Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency for an easy fix!
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How can I make it healthier?
- Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and reduce sugar by half for a lighter version.
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Can I make this bread gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.
Wrapping Up
As you savor this Glazed Strawberry Bread, let it remind you of sunny days, sweet moments, and the joy of baking. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about creating memories in your kitchen. I hope your loaf fills your home with warmth and sweetness, just as my grandmother’s did for me. Happy baking!
Print
Glazed Strawberry Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful loaf capturing the essence of strawberries with a tender crumb and a sweet glaze, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to prepare the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or toast with butter. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
