Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fresh Strawberry Bread is simple to make, yet packed with flavor. The combination of fresh strawberries and cinnamon adds a deliciously fruity, spiced flavor, while the sour cream (or yogurt) keeps the bread moist and tender. The rich sweetness of the sugar and the slight crunch of the nuts create the perfect texture. It’s a great way to use up fresh strawberries, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
½ cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped (optional)
1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
Prepare the loaf pan: Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-cup loaf pan (9x5x3-inch) with nonstick cooking spray.
Cream the butter: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Add sugar and eggs: Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture (in three additions) and sour cream (in two additions) alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix only until combined to avoid overmixing.
Add strawberries and nuts: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and walnuts or pecans (if using).
Bake the bread: Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Place the bread on a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, remove from the pan, slice, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Variations

Other fruit options: Swap the fresh strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy yogurt or sour cream to make this bread dairy-free.
Spice up the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to complement the cinnamon for an extra warm flavor.
Chocolate chips: Add a handful of white or dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch of decadence.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of bread for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bread.

Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream and adds a bit of extra tanginess to the bread.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans. The bread will still be delicious.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this bread keeps well for several days and can be made ahead of time. The flavors may even develop more as it sits!

Can I make this in a mini loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a mini loaf pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time, as it will bake more quickly. Start checking for doneness around 40-45 minutes.

Can I add other spices to the bread?

Yes, you can experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to add a unique flavor twist.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly if necessary and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This Fresh Strawberry Bread is the perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The moist, tender bread paired with the burst of juicy strawberries and a hint of cinnamon is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice today!

Fresh Strawberry Bread