There’s nothing quite like the bright, zesty taste of lemon paired with the sweet burst of fresh strawberries. This Strawberry Lemon Bread recipe captures that perfect spring and summer feeling in a wonderfully moist and easy-to-make quick bread. It’s ideal for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a light dessert!
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients to create a treat that tastes anything but simple. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking berries and citrus!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Lemon Bread
This bread isn't just delicious; it's also incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, you'll appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and the vibrant tang from fresh lemon zest create a balanced flavor profile that's both refreshing and comforting. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize those beautiful, seasonal strawberries.
It’s perfect for sharing at a brunch, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. If you love a good lemon dessert, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake – 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Making this delightful bread requires just a few common ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show, providing sweetness and moisture.
- Lemons: Both the zest and juice are crucial for that vibrant, tangy flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent for a light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: To balance the tartness of the lemon and enhance the strawberries.
- Eggs: For structure and richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted, for tenderness and flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture to achieve the perfect crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth to round out the flavors.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a bread that's bursting with flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf
Achieving the perfect Strawberry Lemon Bread is easy with a few simple tips:
- Don't overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Evenly chop strawberries: Small, uniform pieces of strawberry ensure they are distributed throughout the loaf and don't sink to the bottom.
- Grease your pan well: A well-greased and floured loaf pan ensures easy release once baked.
- Cool completely: While tempting to slice warm, letting the bread cool completely on a wire rack helps it set and prevents it from falling apart.
For more fruity baking inspiration, consider trying our Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy, Delicious Spring Treats.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is fantastic on its own, but it can be elevated further! Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a morning cup of coffee, an afternoon tea, or even as a light dessert after dinner.
The bright flavors make it a versatile treat that fits almost any occasion. It's truly a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Ready to Bake?
This Strawberry Lemon Bread recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with its irresistible flavors, makes it a must-try. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a slice of pure sunshine!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
How long does Strawberry Lemon Bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Can I add a lemon glaze to the bread?
Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze enhances the citrus flavor beautifully. Whisk together powdered sugar and a few teaspoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
What can I do if my bread is browning too quickly on top?
If you notice the top of your bread is getting too dark before the inside is cooked, you can loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil. This will protect the top while allowing the inside to finish baking.
Strawberry Lemon Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist quick bread bursting with the sweet tang of fresh strawberries and bright lemon.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped into small pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until combined.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled.
Notes
For an extra touch of lemon, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
