There’s something truly magical about slicing into freshly baked Strawberry Bread—the way the kitchen fills with a warm, sweet aroma, and that first bite is packed with the juicy tang of real strawberries nestled in a soft, buttery crumb. This recipe marries the best flavors of summer fruit with the irresistible charm of homemade quick bread, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. It’s ultra-moist, vibrantly colorful, and just bursting with berry goodness in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Bread is beautifully straightforward to make, thanks to a handful of simple, reliable ingredients. Each one brings its own texture, richness, or hint of spice to the loaf, making every bite an experience.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the bread’s tender crumb and structure.
Baking soda: Gives the bread rise and a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and fruity flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the strawberries.
Unsalted butter (softened): Infuses the bread with rich flavor and a moist interior.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a delicate crust.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness for a soft, cohesive loaf.
Sour cream: Offers extra tenderness and subtle tang—your secret to moist Strawberry Bread.
Vanilla extract: Perfumes the loaf with mellow, comforting sweetness.
Fresh strawberries (diced): The starring ingredient for that burst of fresh, juicy flavor.
All-purpose flour (for tossing strawberries): Prevents those strawberry bits from sinking and keeps them evenly distributed.

How to Make Strawberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray so your Strawberry Bread will pop out easily and look beautifully golden when finished.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step blends your leaveners and spices evenly, setting up your bread for an even rise and evenly distributed flavor in every slice.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates lovely air pockets that help give your Strawberry Bread its tender bite. An electric mixer works wonders here, but you can go old-school with a sturdy wooden spoon if you like a little workout!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before moving on. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract next—these add depth, flavor, and that ultra-soft texture we all crave in homemade quick breads.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the crumb delicate and light.

Step 6: Toss and Fold in the Strawberries

In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This simple trick keeps those juicy bites suspended throughout your loaf! Fold the floured strawberries carefully into the batter using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This bit of patience ensures your bread slices beautifully and stays moist.

How to Serve Strawberry Bread

Garnishes

For an elegant finishing touch, dust your Strawberry Bread with a little powdered sugar, drizzle with a quick powdered sugar glaze, or top with extra fresh strawberries. If you’re feeling fancy, a few mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream will make every slice look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a delightful breakfast, or serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a leisurely weekend brunch spread. The subtle sweet-tart flavor of the bread complements a steaming mug of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try mini loaves for gifting or bake in a muffin tin for Strawberry Bread “muffins” perfect for lunchboxes and picnics. Or, layer slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simply stunning berry trifle that brings new life to leftover bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Bread fresh and soft, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep it in an airtight container—just be sure it’s completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This bread is a freezer star! Wrap cooled slices or a whole loaf in plastic wrap and then foil. Tuck it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a taste of summer, simply let it thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) before serving.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or toast it lightly. This brings the buttery crumb and sweet strawberry aroma right back to life—delicious comfort in moments!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before dicing and tossing with flour, to avoid adding extra moisture to your Strawberry Bread. The color may bleed a bit, but the taste is still lovely.

What’s the secret to keeping my Strawberry Bread moist?

The sour cream is your secret weapon here, keeping the crumb ultra-tender and flavorful. Also, don’t overbake and make sure to wrap the cooled bread well after slicing for maximum freshness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour mix for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your mix contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

How do I know when my bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer in the thickest part of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—but not wet batter. Oven times can vary, so keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark.

Can I add other fruits or flavors?

Go for it! Blueberries, raspberries, or a touch of lemon zest are wonderful here. Just be sure to toss any fruit with flour first to keep them suspended in the batter, just as you do with the strawberries.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Strawberry Bread is sunshine in a loaf—it’s easy, undeniably comforting, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, share it with your favorite people, and let every bite remind you just how joyful baking can be!

Strawberry Bread Recipe