When summer’s warmth begins to kiss our cheeks and the sun has an extra glow, there’s a magical feeling in the air, especially when it comes to the bounty of fruits and flavors that arrive with the season. Strawberries, with their vibrant red hues and sweet, juicy bites, hold a special place in my heart (and my kitchen). One afternoon, as I wandered through the local farmers’ market, I stumbled upon an abundance of fresh strawberries begging to find their way into a delightful treat. Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of summer, I decided to whip up a batch of Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread. The combination of tart lemonade and sweet strawberries sings “summer” with every slice, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 50-60 minutes (baking time)
- Total Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Portion Size: 8 servings
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 200
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbs: 30g per serving
- Fats: 9g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugars: 10g per serving
- Sodium: 150mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread
This quick bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer captured in a loaf. Imagine slicing through a golden-brown crust, only to reveal a tender, buttery center speckled with juicy bits of strawberries. The bright citrusy notes emerging from the lemonade add a refreshing twist that awakens your taste buds and brings a smile to your face. Whether served at brunch, with afternoon tea, or just enjoyed plain as a snack, this quick bread is sure to be a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Before we dive into the recipe, let me guide you through the journey you’re about to embark on. We’ll start by prepping our ingredients and kitchen. Then, we’ll mix and blend flavors, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and treat our senses with the delightful aroma wafting from the oven as it bakes. Finally, we’ll cool and slice our masterpiece, revealing a beautiful loaf that’s ready to be shared and savored!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup lemonade
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a sweet foundation for your bread.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is beautifully blended.
Step 4: Mix in the Juicy Ingredients
Stir in the chopped strawberries, lemonade, and vanilla extract, letting those fruity flavors mingle.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread to Perfection
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling your kitchen with that irresistible baking smell!
Step 8: Cool and Rest
Let your quick bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread shines on its own, but why not elevate your experience? Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert, or pair it with a tall glass of homemade iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing summer brunch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
To keep your Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, slice it up and freeze the servings for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in the oven before serving!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Strawberry Alternatives: If strawberries are out of season, you can use other berries or even diced peaches for a fun twist!
- Don’t Overmix: A light hand during mixing will keep your bread tender and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary; check the bread a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely prior to slicing will help maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling adventurous? Try adding lemon zest for an extra zing, or swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. You could even fold in some poppy seeds for a delightful crunch!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. -
What if I don’t have lemonade?
You can substitute with an equal amount of orange juice or even a lemon-lime soda for a fizzy twist! -
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this delicious treat gluten-free. -
How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to go! -
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Just ensure you have larger pans for baking and adjust the bake time as needed.
Wrapping Up
As we come to the end of our journey through the world of Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread, I hope you feel inspired to get in the kitchen and bring this light, refreshing treat to life. Whether you bake it for a special occasion or simply because you crave a little summer sweetness, share it with those you love, and let the joy of cooking transform your everyday moments. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing quick bread that combines sweet strawberries and tart lemonade, perfect for summer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup lemonade
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the chopped strawberries, lemonade, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- 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.
- Let the quick bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients help with easier mixing. You may substitute strawberries with other berries or peaches if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
