Are you craving a sweet treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This strawberry bread recipe, utilizing the convenience of frozen strawberries, is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or lazy weekend baking. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy ingredient lists – this homemade delight is quick, simple, and unbelievably flavorful. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable even with minimal cooking experience, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (even if it’s not dinner!).
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups frozen strawberries, roughly chopped (no need to thaw!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold in the frozen strawberries. The cold strawberries will help keep the bread moist.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy this healthy and delicious treat!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your bread will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch.
- Use different berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend would also be delicious.
- Add a glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top adds extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
This easy strawberry bread recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes and a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer, even when using frozen fruit! It's sure to become a family favorite.