This Strawberries and Cream Bread recipe marries the lush sweetness of fresh strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a moist and tender loaf that’s a perfect treat for any spring or summer day. Each slice offers a delightful burst of flavor, making it an ideal companion for your morning coffee or a sweet ending to a leisurely picnic.
Hey cousins! Today, we’re making Strawberries and Cream Bread, a treat that’s as delightful and refreshing as a spring breeze. Now, let me take y’all on a little journey back to my childhood. Picture this: It’s a bright, sunny day, the kind where the sun kisses your skin just right, and there’s that gentle hum of bees flirting with the blossoms. That’s when my Auntie would say, “It’s strawberry season, babies!” And we knew what that meant—it was time for her legendary Strawberries and Cream Bread.
Every spring and summer, without fail, Auntie would gather us in her kitchen, a place where magic happened and the air was always filled with the sweet aroma of something baking. She’d put on her floral apron, the one with pockets filled with recipes passed down through generations, and she’d say, “Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” We’d all gather around, eager to learn, laugh, and, most importantly, taste.
Auntie’s Strawberries and Cream Bread wasn’t just food; it was a slice of heaven. It was the taste of joy, of family gatherings on the porch, of laughter ringing through the house. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life—of how something as simple as strawberries and cream cheese could bring us all together.
So, in honor of Auntie and those cherished memories, I’m going to share with you all the secret to making this delightful bread. Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a moment to treat yourself, this recipe is a tribute to the love and warmth of those sunny days. Let’s dive into the world of baking, where the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of cream cheese blend into a melody of flavors that dance in your mouth. Let’s make some memories, shall we?
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (let it lounge at room temperature like it’s on vacation)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (sweet as your sweetest kiss)
- 4 oz cream cheese (also room temperature, because nobody likes the cold shoulder)
- 2 large eggs (make sure they’re feeling cozy at room temperature too)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for that splash of magic)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of our delicious masterpiece)
- 2 tsp baking powder (to lift our spirits and our bread)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (because every little bit helps)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to balance the sweetness with a touch of sass)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (smooth as silk)
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced (because what’s a strawberry bread without strawberries, baby?)
Instructions
- Warm Up the Oven: Preheat that baby to 350°F. We’re getting things hot in here!
- Prep Your Pan: Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and give it a little love with a light dusting of flour. Make sure it’s looking fine and even all around.
- Cream the Dream Team: In a medium bowl, throw in your butter, sugar, and cream cheese. Get your electric mixer out and cream them together until they’re smooth and getting along like best friends.
- Egg-cellent Addition: Add those eggs one by one, giving them a good mix after each addition. We’re building relationships here.
- Vanilla Vibes: Pour in that vanilla extract and mix it up for a little extra flavor.
- Dry Ingredients Get-Together: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. We’re sifting through to make everything nice and airy.
- Wet Meets Dry: Slowly, and I mean slowly, add your wet mixture to your dry ingredients. Stir them together like you’re stirring up some love. Then, gently pour in the milk, mixing just until it’s all combined. Remember, don’t overdo it; we’re not looking for drama.
- Strawberry Fold: Now, take those sliced strawberries and fold them in carefully. Treat them with care; they’re the stars of the show.
- Bake Time: Slide your pan into the oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. We’re looking for that golden moment when it’s just perfect.
- Cooling Off: Once done, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before you try to take it out of the pan. Patience, darling, patience.
Strawberries and Cream Bread Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature, darling. This little trick ensures everything mixes together as smoothly as jazz on a summer night, giving your bread that perfect texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the jewels of this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen strawberries can do a little dance too. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid, so your bread doesn’t get soggy.
- Flour Dusting Technique: When you’re preparing your loaf pan, don’t just dust it with flour; love on it. This means getting an even coat in there to help your bread slide out like it’s walking down the red carpet.
- Gentle Folding of Strawberries: When you fold those strawberries into the batter, do it with the gentleness of a first kiss. You want to maintain those berry chunks for a burst of flavor in every bite, not mash them into a sad little puree.
- Bake It Just Right: Keep an eye on your oven, sugar. Ovens can be as unpredictable as a soap opera. Start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden top and a skewer that comes out clean, like a perfect plot twist.
- Cooling Down: Patience, my dear. Let that bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before you take it out. It needs time to set and get ready for its big debut.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of fabulousness, serve your bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry glaze. It’s like putting a tiara on a princess.
- Storage Tips: If by some miracle, you have leftovers, wrap that bread up tight in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, ready to dazzle at a moment’s notice.
Want more strawberry recipes? Check these out!
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Strawberries and Cream Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly coating it with flour to ensure an even coating.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, mixing after each addition.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine. Pour in the milk, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the strawberries, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing. Serve and enjoy your slice of spring and summer!
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