Introduction: Celebrate the lusciousness of fresh strawberries with a delectable treat that combines bread and cake. Strawberry Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the comfort of freshly baked bread. With each slice, you’ll get a burst of juicy flavor that’s balanced out by the bread’s tender crumb. This strawberry-infused creation, whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert, will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing for the Sweetness: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. Strawberry Bliss: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This will macerate the strawberries and create a juicy, flavorful mixture. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Batter Creation: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Flour Fusion: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. Sweet Strawberry Union: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the macerated strawberries and chopped nuts, if using.
6. Baking Magic: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
7. Oven’s Embrace: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
8. Cooling Tranquility: Once baked, remove the strawberry bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Finishing Flourish: If desired, dust the cooled Homemade Strawberry Bread with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Homemade Strawberry Bread is a delightful creation that transforms the essence of fresh strawberries into a loaf that’s both comforting and irresistible. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and the gentle aroma of cinnamon, each slice offers a taste of summer’s sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner, this bread is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, wholesome ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Share it with loved ones and bask in the joy of savoring the goodness of homemade goodness, one slice at a time.