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Ah, strawberries! Those sweet, juicy red gems that herald the arrival of warmer weather. Whether enjoyed fresh, in jams, or as a frozen treat, strawberries have always been a crowd favorite. But have you ever tried strawberry bread? If not, it’s high time you did, and if you have, then you’ll likely agree that it’s one of the most delightful ways to celebrate this beloved fruit.
A Berry Brief History
Before diving into the bread, let’s talk strawberries. These berries have been enjoyed for thousands of years, with early records showing they were consumed during the Roman era. They have been revered not just for their taste, but also for their medicinal properties, including aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.
Fast forward to modern times, strawberries have become a staple in desserts, salads, and breakfasts. And now, we have strawberry bread—a perfect marriage of fresh strawberries and comforting, soft bread.
What Makes Strawberry Bread Special?
At first glance, strawberry bread might remind you of banana bread or zucchini bread. And while they’re all fruit/vegetable-based loaves, strawberry bread has a unique flavor profile.
- Natural Sweetness: Strawberries bring their own sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugars. This makes the bread subtly sweet and perfect for those who are looking to cut back on added sugars.
- Moisture Magic: Strawberries are made up of about 90% water. When baked into bread, they release this moisture, ensuring every slice is soft and moist.
- Versatility: Like the other sweet breads, strawberry bread can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. Add a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Baking Tips
- Choose ripe strawberries: The riper the strawberries, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Prevent soggy bread: While strawberries add moisture, too much can lead to a soggy loaf. Consider patting washed strawberries dry or lightly tossing them in flour before adding them to the batter.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cream cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: This is a rule for most baked goods. Overmixing can make your bread dense, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
A Simple Strawberry Bread Recipe
Tools Needed:
- 9×5 inch Loaf pan
- Mixing Bowls
- KitchenAid hand mixer (this is by far my FAVORITE hand mixer)
- Spatulas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced and tossed in 2 tbsp flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup oat milk (or whatever milk you prefer)
- 1 large eggs
- 2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon oat milk (or whatever milk you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, oat milk, eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries (make sure they are lightly coated in flour before mixing).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze by combining the melted butter, powdered sugar, oat milk and vanilla. Then drizzle over completely cooled loaf.
So, the next time you find yourself with a bounty of fresh strawberries, consider baking up a loaf of strawberry bread. It’s a delicious and unique way to enjoy one of summer’s sweetest gifts.