Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my *easy strawberry bread*! This recipe is such a delightful way to celebrate fresh strawberries, and it couldn’t be simpler to whip up! I remember the first time I baked this bread; the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, and I instantly felt like a superstar chef! Seriously, you just mix a handful of ingredients, and in no time, you’re rewarded with a deliciously moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or with a smear of butter. Trust me, once you try this easy strawberry bread, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this easy strawberry bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base that gives the bread its structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
- 1 cup sugar: This adds sweetness, balancing the tartness of the strawberries. You can adjust this if you like it less sweet, but I wouldn’t recommend going too low!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully. Don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: This enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist and tender. You can also use melted coconut oil if you prefer a hint of tropical flavor.
- 2 large eggs: They provide structure and richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best mixing!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. I always use pure vanilla for the best results.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy strawberries for that burst of flavor in every bite!
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional): These add a delightful crunch, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a nut fan or want to keep it nut-free!
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to baking a delicious loaf that’s sure to impress! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Easy Strawberry Bread
Let’s dive into the fun part—making your easy strawberry bread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly. You want that warm, cozy environment right from the start!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk these together to make sure they’re evenly distributed. This helps avoid any pockets of baking soda or salt that could affect the flavor. Trust me, a good mix is key!
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and a bit frothy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your bread that lovely light texture. Don’t rush it—take a minute to get it nice and creamy!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. I like to use a spatula and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread to stay fluffy and tender, not dense!
Step 5: Add Strawberries and Walnuts
Time to add the stars of the show! Fold in your chopped strawberries and walnuts (if using) with care. You want to keep those strawberry pieces intact so they burst with flavor when you slice into the bread. Yum!
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, making sure to spread it evenly. Greasing is key to ensure it comes out easily after baking! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because slicing it too soon can make it crumbly. Once it’s cooled off, slice it up and enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Bread
This easy strawberry bread isn’t just simple to make; it’s a flavor-packed treat that will quickly become a favorite! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy days!
- Flavor explosion: The fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft, moist bread.
- Versatility: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. It’s delicious on its own or toasted with butter.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips, swap in different fruits, or mix in spices for a personal touch!
- Freezable: You can easily freeze leftovers for later enjoyment—perfect for when you want a quick treat!
Trust me, this easy strawberry bread is bound to make your taste buds dance with delight!
Tips for Success with Easy Strawberry Bread
To ensure your easy strawberry bread turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet—this makes a huge difference in flavor! If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Also, if you’re looking for a healthier option, feel free to substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. It keeps the bread moist while cutting down on fat. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different! Start checking a bit earlier to avoid overbaking. Lastly, let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers of this delightful easy strawberry bread (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. The best way to do this is to wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer! Just slice it first, wrap each piece individually, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick reheat. I love to enjoy mine warm with a pat of butter melting on top—absolute bliss!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into the deliciousness of this easy strawberry bread, I want to share some nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
This easy strawberry bread is a delightful treat that balances sweetness and flavor with a reasonable calorie count! Enjoy a slice without any guilt!
FAQ About Easy Strawberry Bread
If you’ve got questions about this easy strawberry bread, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
How long does the bread last? If stored properly in an airtight container, this bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go!
Can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This helps prevent your bread from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for eggs? If you’re looking for an egg replacement, unsweetened applesauce works well—use about 1/4 cup for each egg. It keeps the bread moist while making it vegan-friendly.
Why is my bread dense? Dense bread can be a result of overmixing the batter. Remember to mix just until combined, and you’ll achieve that light, fluffy texture!
Can I add other fruits or nuts? Of course! Feel free to get creative—blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples would work wonderfully. Just adjust the amount based on your preference!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy your easy strawberry bread to the fullest!
Print
Easy Strawberry Bread: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious strawberry bread recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in strawberries and walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served fresh.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy strawberry bread, strawberry bread recipe, quick bread
