Introduction
Welcome to the world of delicious baking! Today, we’re diving into the delightful recipe for a Strawberry Bread Loaf with Strawberry Glaze. This sweet treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.
With juicy strawberries and a glorious glaze, this loaf is not just tasty; it’s a feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think. So, let’s get started and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect Strawberry Bread Loaf. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the glaze, you will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon milk
Timing
Time management is key when baking. Here’s a quick breakdown of how long each step will take:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Set your timers, and let’s get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure that your bread cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Next, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients first helps avoid clumps.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf!
Step 7: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and lemon juice. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 11: Glaze the Loaf
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per slice:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 15g
Remember, moderation is key! Enjoy every slice guilt-free.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter for a fat-free option.
These changes can help you enjoy the deliciousness without compromising on health!
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Bread Loaf is versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast.
Feel free to get creative!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best bakers make mistakes sometimes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the result.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough loaf.
- Skipping the cooling time may result in a mushy texture.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure a perfect loaf every time!
Storage Tips
To keep your Strawberry Bread Loaf fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
These tips will help you maintain the deliciousness!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a Strawberry Bread Loaf with Strawberry Glaze is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for loved ones, this loaf is sure to impress. With its sweet flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking!
PrintIrresistibly Sweet Strawberry Bread Loaf with a Glorious Strawberry Glaze
Deliciously sweet and moist Strawberry Bread Loaf topped with a vibrant glaze.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect Strawberry Bread Loaf. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the glaze, you will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, and stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chopped strawberries and lemon juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries.
- Adjust the glaze consistency to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.
How can I make this loaf vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
What should I do if my loaf is too dense?
If your loaf turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing. Next time, mix just until combined!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this sweet baking adventure! The Strawberry Bread Loaf with Strawberry Glaze is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience. Remember, every loaf tells a story, and yours can be a delicious one. Happy baking!