Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping breakfast or afternoon treat that’s as easy as it is impressive, Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a lusciously tender loaf bursting with sweet strawberries and swirls of tangy cream cheese, wrapped up in a delicate golden crust. The balance of flavors and dreamy texture make this bread irresistible, whether you’re serving it with coffee or sneaking a slice for dessert. Bright, beautiful, and brimming with homemade comfort, every bite tastes like spring in loaf form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of the essentials for Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread in your kitchen, and each one is there for a good reason! From creamy, rich dairy to garden-fresh berries, every ingredient brings a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to the loaf.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a moist crumb that keeps the bread wonderfully tender.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the loaf and helps it become light and golden in the oven.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and give structure to the bread.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and adds a homey aroma you can’t resist.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Delivers velvety texture and a gentle tang that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation of your loaf, keeping it soft but sturdy enough to slice.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures your bread rises up nice and fluffy every time.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sugar and punches up all the flavors.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps blend the batter to silky perfection.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 1/2 cups, diced and tossed in 1 tablespoon flour): The star of the show—make sure to flour them so they don’t sink.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Strawberries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread slides out easily after baking. While the oven heats up, dice your strawberries and give them a quick toss in a tablespoon of flour—this handy trick keeps the berries suspended throughout the loaf and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, sugar, and cream cheese. Let the mixer run for a few minutes until your mixture is light, fluffy, and looks just a bit paler—this step makes the bread ultrasoft. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in your vanilla for that extra cozy flavor boost.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these beforehand ensures even distribution, which means every bite of your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread comes out just right—no surprise salty or powdery pockets here!
Step 4: Combine Everything and Fold in Berries
Add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Use a gentle hand—overmixing can make your loaf tough instead of tender. As soon as everything’s almost combined, gently fold in your floured strawberries with a spatula, doing your best not to crush them.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your gorgeous batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean. After a brief 10-minute cool in the pan, lift the bread onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. Patience is tough here, but it’s worth it for those neat, strawberry-studded slices!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled loaf adds a bakery-worthy touch. You could also scatter fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves on top for a burst of color that hints at the flavors inside. If you’re feeling indulgent, a swipe of softened cream cheese on each slice is irresistible!
Side Dishes
Serve this bread as part of a brunch spread with freshly brewed coffee, crispy bacon, and a bowl of fruit salad. For afternoon tea, it pairs beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile or mint, or even a glass of cold milk for the classic combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, cut the Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread into thick slices and arrange them on a pretty platter. Add a few whole strawberries or drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Want to make it extra special? Toast a slice and top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last a bit longer (but don’t expect many leftovers!), you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to keep that moisture locked in.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or toast them lightly for a touch of crispness. If you’re reheating the whole loaf, slid it into a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before dicing, and still toss them in flour to prevent sinking. Keep in mind that frozen berries may add a bit more moisture, so check for doneness carefully at the end of baking.
What’s the best way to slice the Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread without it crumbling?
Let the bread cool completely before slicing—this helps the crumb set for perfect, clean slices. A sharp serrated knife works best, especially if your loaf is packed with juicy berries.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute, and double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I add a glaze or extra toppings?
Definitely! Try a simple lemon glaze for zing, or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish. Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can also be folded into the batter for crunch.
Is Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread suitable for breakfast and dessert?
It’s delicious anytime! The balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Enjoy it with coffee in the morning or dress up a slice for dessert at night.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking with fresh strawberries, and Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is proof. I hope you’ll give it a try, whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself to something wonderful. Once you taste that first moist, berry-filled slice, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries and cream cheese with this moist and flavorful strawberry cream cheese bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (diced and lightly tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in floured strawberries. Pour batter into pan and bake for 55-65 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Tossing strawberries in flour helps prevent sinking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
