Name: Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter softened; ¾ cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cups strawberries finely chopped (about 8-10); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ⅓ cup strawberries finely chopped (about 3-4); ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, this Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist, bursting with fresh strawberries, and topped with a luscious glaze, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.

The image shows a loaf of cake on a white rectangular plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two slices cut and laid flat in front, showing a soft, moist light yellow inside dotted with small pieces of red fruit. The top of the cake is covered with a thick, pale pink icing that has bits of red fruit mixed in, dripping slightly over the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't get enough of this strawberry bread—it’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with the sweetest aroma and always brings smiles around the table. Plus, it’s easier to make than you’d think!

Moist and Flavorful: The fresh strawberries keep the bread tender and packed with juicy bursts of sweetness.
Quick and Easy: This is a quick bread, so no yeast or complicated rising times—perfect for busy days or last-minute baking.
Versatile Enjoyment: Great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert with that irresistible glaze.
Fresh Strawberry Glaze: The strawberry glaze on top enhances the fruity flavor and adds a pretty finishing touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing fresh, ripe strawberries is key to making this strawberry bread truly sing. When you pick your ingredients carefully, you’ll notice the difference right in the texture and flavor of the bread—and the glaze, too!

Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder in a small white bowl, half a teaspoon of salt in a small white bowl, a quarter cup of softened unsalted butter shaped into a neat square, a small pile of granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl containing vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with milk, a cluster of eight to ten fresh whole strawberries with green tops, two cups of powdered sugar in a small white bowl, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl with heavy cream, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and tenderness that make quick bread so satisfying.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, giving it a light crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; softened for easy mixing.
Sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds a subtle richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement strawberries wonderfully.
Milk: Keeps the texture soft and tender—feel free to use your favorite type.
Fresh Strawberries: Finely chopped so they distribute evenly and keep the batter consistent.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): For that smooth, sweet finish that melts in your mouth.
Melted Butter (for glaze): Adds a silky richness to the glaze.
Vanilla or Almond Extract (for glaze): Offers a subtle flavor depth to complement the strawberries.
Heavy Cream or Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency for easy spreading.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to play with flavors, adjust for dietary needs, or add a little seasonal twist, this bread is wonderfully versatile and forgiving.

Gluten-Free Variation: I've successfully swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free loaf, replace the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead. It still bakes up moist and flavorful — perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
Citrus Twist: Adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter adds a bright, zingy note that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully. This little tweak gives it a lovely fresh flavor perfect for spring or summer.
Extra Berry Punch: If you’re a big fan of strawberry, feel free to increase the chopped strawberries in both the bread and the glaze. For an even stronger flavor in the glaze, a teaspoon of strawberry extract can make a delightful difference!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a two-layer strawberry dessert on a white plate. Each layer is thick and pale pink with visible pieces of red strawberries inside. The top layer has a crumbly, light beige topping sprinkled unevenly across its surface. The dessert’s texture looks smooth and slightly shiny with some parts appearing soft and creamy. In the background, there is a white colander filled with whole strawberries, and a few strawberries scattered on the white marbled surface nearby. A red and white striped cloth is placed in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep Your Dry Mix

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for an even bake. While the oven warms, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl. Set this aside. Mixing the dry ingredients upfront saves you time later and ensures your bread rises beautifully.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter together with ¾ cup of sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale—that’s a good 2 to 3 minutes of mixing. This step creates air pockets that make your bread tender. Then, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute to fully combine all those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Alternate Adding Milk and Flour Mixture

Pour in ½ cup of milk, then add half of your dry ingredient mixture. Mix gently for about 30 seconds—don’t overmix here to keep the bread tender. Next, add the remaining dry mixture and mix again until just combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed. At this point, the batter will be thick, almost dough-like in texture.

Step 4: Gently Fold in the Fresh Strawberries

Fold in 1½ cups of finely chopped fresh strawberries with a spatula. This step loosens your batter slightly and distributes sweet strawberry pockets evenly throughout. Using finely chopped berries prevents large chunks that could make the bread soggy or uneven.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Loaf Pan and Bake

Lightly spray or flour your bread loaf pan, then pour in your thick batter, smoothing the surface with your spatula. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of strawberries baking will fill your kitchen—such a warm, inviting scent!

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Glazing

Once out of the oven, let your bread cool completely—this usually takes about an hour. Cooling is important so the glaze doesn't melt right off. Patience here rewards you with a prettier, more luscious finish.

Step 7: Whisk Up the Sweet Strawberry Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk until silky smooth. Stir in ⅓ cup of finely chopped strawberries. If you want it thicker, just add more powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time until you reach your desired texture. The glaze should be creamy but pourable—perfect for drizzling.

Step 8: Glaze, Slice, and Enjoy!

Spread the strawberry glaze evenly over your cooled loaf, letting some drizzle down the sides for that rustic charm. Slice into 12 generous pieces and dig in. This bread is just as perfect for a comforting breakfast as it is for a sweet afternoon snack or a light dessert.

Top Tip

These tips will help you bake the perfect Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe every time, ensuring moistness, flavor, and a beautiful presentation.

Choose Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries finely chopped makes all the difference — it keeps the bread bursting with natural sweetness without excess moisture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently when adding the flour and strawberries to avoid a dense texture. A light hand means a tender crumb.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying the glaze while the bread is warm can cause it to melt and slide off. Patience here leads to a perfectly glossy finish.
Use a Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick in the center after 50 minutes of baking; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs to ensure your loaf isn’t underbaked.

How to Serve Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a creamy beige batter mixed with small red fruit pieces evenly spread throughout, the batter has a textured, slightly swirled surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with red checkered lines is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sweet strawberry bread, consider sprinkling a few fresh strawberry slices on top of each glazed slice. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves also brighten the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try it alongside Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad to balance sweetness with tangy freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its moist texture and delicious flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid overheating as this can dry out the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this bread?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter consistency.

How do I know when my strawberry bread is fully baked?

After baking for 50 minutes at 350°F, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is done.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry glaze a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before spreading over the cooled bread.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Absolutely! For a dairy-free Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk or another plant-based milk in place of regular milk.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Sweet Strawberry Bread Recipe brings such a warm, inviting aroma to the kitchen that it’s hard not to smile while it’s baking. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert, its tender crumb and luscious strawberry glaze are sure to brighten your day. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe a beloved staple in your home. Happy baking!