Looking for a quick bread that’s delicious, moist, and packed with the fresh flavor of strawberries? This simple strawberry bread is just what you need. It’s a soft, sweet loaf that’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, looking for a tasty afternoon snack, or planning a homemade gift, this strawberry loaf cake delivers every time.
In just one bowl and under an hour of baking time, you’ll have a beautiful strawberry bread that smells incredible and tastes even better. With its fruity flavor, tender crumb, and vibrant bits of real strawberries throughout, this bread is a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Bread
There’s so much to love about this easy strawberry bread recipe, especially if you enjoy baking with fruit:
- Naturally sweet and made with fresh, juicy strawberries
- Greek yogurt and oil give this bread its moist and tender texture.
- Simple ingredients and no mixer required
- Ideal for spring and summer when fresh strawberries are at their peak.
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Whether served with coffee or as a light dessert, this strawberry loaf is a family-friendly treat that feels homemade and special without being complicated.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Bread
This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh berries to create a delicious quick bread with fruity flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chips
Tip: For even more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, vegetable oil, yogurt (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, as that can lead to a dense loaf.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter using a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
Transfer the batter to your greased loaf pan and level the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. If the top starts browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil during the final 15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool fully. Slice and enjoy as-is, or add a glaze for extra sweetness.
Optional Glaze for a Bakery-Style Finish
Want to give your strawberry bread an extra touch? This simple vanilla glaze adds sweetness and makes your loaf look bakery-worthy.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf. Let it set before slicing.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Bread
- Fresh strawberries deliver the richest flavor and best texture in this recipe. Avoid frozen strawberries, which release too much moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined for a light and soft crumb.
- Coat the strawberries with flour before folding them into the batter to ensure they’re evenly spread.
- Adjust for altitude or oven differences by checking doneness with a toothpick near the 50-minute mark.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
This strawberry quick bread recipe is easy to customize. Here are some fresh and tasty variations you might enjoy:
- Lemon Strawberry Bread: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Strawberry Banana Bread: Replace half the yogurt with mashed ripe banana for extra moisture.
- Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bread: Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Strawberry Nut Bread: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying nutty crunch.
You can also bake the batter in a muffin tin to make strawberry muffins. Reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some great ways to enjoy your strawberry loaf cake:
- Serve warm with a layer of butter or cream cheese.
- With a dollop of whipped cream for dessert
- Toasted slightly and topped with Greek yogurt
- Paired with a hot cup of coffee or iced tea
- Sliced and packed for school lunches or picnics
This loaf also makes a great edible gift—just wrap it in parchment and tie it with twine for a rustic, homemade touch.
How to Store and Freeze
One of the best things about this easy fruit bread is that it stores beautifully.
At room temperature: keep the bread wrapped tightly or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.
Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.
Pro tip: Freeze single slices to easily warm up in the toaster or microwave whenever you want a quick snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries. Frozen berries add too much liquid and can cause the loaf to be soggy.
Is this recipe healthy?
This is a lightened-up dessert option with Greek yogurt for added protein. Feel free to cut back on the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute with non-dairy yogurt and a neutral oil such as avocado oil.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry bread recipe is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. With a sweet aroma, soft texture, and the fruity brightness of strawberries in every bite, it’s a loaf you’ll want to bake again and again.
Whether it’s springtime and strawberries are in peak season, or you’re just craving a sweet treat that feels like home, this quick bread fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress anyone.
So grab those fresh strawberries, preheat your oven, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade strawberry bread today!
If you’re craving more delicious strawberry treats, be sure to check out our Strawberry Puree Recipe. It’s perfect for adding fresh strawberry flavor to smoothies, desserts, and more. Easy to make and full of natural sweetness, it’s a versatile addition to your kitchen favorites!