Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is a buttery, tender loaf bursting with juicy strawberries and swirled with a rich cream cheese flavor—truly the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something a little sweet. Each slice features dots of fresh fruit and a touch of tang, all finished with an optional vanilla glaze that makes it absolutely irresistible. This recipe is one you’ll want to share, but don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your personal secret weapon for impressing guests or indulging in an afternoon delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking this Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread couldn’t be simpler, and that’s part of what makes it so magical. Each ingredient brings something wonderful to the table, from the heavenly texture to the bright flavors and gorgeous color flecks. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The secret to a moist, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances the sweet, fruity flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the loaf and helps give it a golden crust.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s lift and tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure without weighing the bread down.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the loaf just the right height and fluffiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and prevents the bread from tasting too sweet.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and the crumb ultra-tender.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, diced & tossed in 1 tbsp flour): The star of the show—those vibrant bursts of berry make every bite special. The flour keeps them from sinking.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup) (for glaze, optional): Quick and easy way to add extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons) (for glaze, optional): Makes the glaze smooth and pourable—add a little at a time for perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon for glaze, optional): Adds a delicate flavor note to the finishing touch.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Get your kitchen ready—preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is small but mighty, helping your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread pop out perfectly without sticking, and making clean-up a total breeze.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns fluffy and almost cloud-like. This is the foundation for that tender crumb and irresistible flavor, so take your time to make sure everything is well blended before moving on.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This helps the texture stay smooth and ensures every bite of your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is rich and flavorful from the inside out.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step gives our bread its structure and even rise—no one wants a lopsided loaf! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with splashes of milk, starting and finishing with the flour. Mix just until smooth.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries
Now for the fun part: gently stir in your diced strawberries that have been tossed in flour (trust me, this little trick keeps them floating perfectly in the batter instead of all sinking to the bottom). Handle with care to avoid crushing the fruit and turning the batter pink.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean, maybe with a crumb or two. Let your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then move it to a wire rack so it can cool fully without getting soggy.
Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze (Optional)
For a little extra wow factor, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over your cooled loaf, letting it trickle down the sides for the prettiest (and tastiest) finish.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A few simple touches can make your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread look as gorgeous as it tastes. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh strawberry slices, or a scattering of lemon zest on top of the glaze. Each adds a festive pop and bright flavor that takes your bread to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice with a bowl of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a breakfast that feels almost decadent. Or, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad and a hot cup of coffee or tea for brunch. The creamy, fruity notes play beautifully with all your favorite breakfast sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful! Turn your Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread into mini loaves or muffins for individual portions. Cut thick slices and layer with whipped cream and extra strawberries for an elevated dessert, or toast a piece and spread with butter for a comforting snack on a chilly day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread keeps well for several days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep everything perfectly fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, first let your bread cool completely. For easy grab-and-go snacks, slice the loaf and wrap each piece tightly, then pop them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready whenever you need a quick breakfast or a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or stored bread, let it thaw at room temperature or give it a gentle zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also toast slices for a warm, slightly crisp edge—absolutely irresistible with a little pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh in this Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Toss them in flour just like the fresh berries to keep the color bright and prevent sinking.
Why do I need to toss the strawberries in flour?
Coating the strawberries in flour before adding them to the batter helps suspend them throughout the loaf, so they don’t sink to the bottom during baking. This trick also prevents the berries from releasing too much juice into the surrounding crumb.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure). Check the consistency before baking—it should be thick but still scoopable.
What other fruits work well in this recipe?
Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches are delicious alternatives or additions to the strawberries in this bread. Just remember to toss all fruit with flour before folding into the batter for the best results.
Is the glaze a must, or can I skip it?
The vanilla glaze adds extra sweetness and a lovely finish, but you can absolutely omit it for a lighter option. The bread is still deliciously moist and flavorful on its own—the glaze is merely a bonus!
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall in love with every bite of this Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread. Whether you bake it up for a special brunch or just to treat yourself, it’s a recipe that makes ordinary days taste a little sweeter. Gather those juicy strawberries and get baking—you’ll be glad you did!
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Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination 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
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Fold in the strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries that have been tossed in flour (to help prevent sinking).
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- You can freeze slices individually for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Don’t skip tossing the berries in flour—it keeps them from sinking to the bottom!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
