Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

If you’re a fan of fruity, sweet treats with a creamy twist, this Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is about to become your new go-to! It’s soft, moist, and bursting with juicy strawberries in every bite, with a subtle cream cheese flavor that makes it extra indulgent. Imagine the sweet, tangy cream cheese mingling with the fresh strawberries, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you bake this, your kitchen will smell like a little slice of heaven.

Why You’ll Love Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Sweet and Creamy:

The cream cheese in this bread adds a richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s like the best of both worlds—fruity and indulgent!

Super Moist:

This bread is so soft and moist, you won’t want to stop eating it! The strawberries and cream cheese create a perfectly tender texture that makes each slice melt in your mouth.

Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert:

It’s a versatile treat! Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet dessert after dinner, this bread is perfect for any time of day.

Easy to Make:

No complicated steps here! This recipe comes together quickly and easily, so you can enjoy a homemade loaf without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beautiful and Impressive:

The vibrant red strawberries dotted throughout the bread create a beautiful presentation, making it a fantastic choice for a brunch or gathering. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those fresh strawberries when they’re in season!

Ingredients in Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious loaf of strawberry heaven:

For the Bread:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show. They add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cream Cheese: This gives the bread its moist, rich texture and a hint of tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla adds warmth and depth to the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the bread rises to perfection.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan (9×5-inch works best) or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

In a small bowl, chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces. Set them aside. You can toss them with a tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once it’s cool enough to handle. Enjoy a warm slice with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply eat it as a sweet snack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 240
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

With Whipped Cream:

Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can even add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

With Butter:

For a simple yet delightful snack, spread a bit of softened butter over a slice of the bread. The creamy butter enhances the richness of the bread and makes it extra satisfying.

As a Dessert:

Serve it for dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of sweetened mascarpone cheese for a showstopper treat.

With Coffee or Tea:

This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to your morning routine or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the bread a day ahead and allow the flavors to develop. It tastes even better after a day or two!
• Substitute Strawberries: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can substitute with frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent extra moisture in the bread.

Q2: Can I make this bread dairy-free?
A2: You can use dairy-free cream cheese and butter as substitutes to make this bread dairy-free.

Q3: Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.

Q4: How can I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?
A4: Toss the chopped strawberries with a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them throughout the bread while baking.

Q5: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A5: Yes! This bread holds up well and can be made a day ahead. Store it at room temperature or in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Q6: Can I freeze this bread?
A6: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q7: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free flour?
A7: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q8: How can I make this bread more decadent?
A8: Add a glaze! Mix powdered sugar and a bit of milk to drizzle over the top of the cooled bread for a sweet finish.

Q9: Can I substitute cream cheese for something else?
A9: You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile, though the texture may change slightly.

Q10: How should I store leftover bread?
A10: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it to keep it fresh for longer.

Conclusion

This Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers and anyone who enjoys a moist, flavorful loaf. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this bread is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or as a make-ahead treat—either way, it’s a guaranteed winner!

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