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Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with rich cream cheese. This recipe creates a perfectly moist bread with a delicate crumb and a heavenly cream cheese glaze that makes every bite memorable.
I've made this bread countless times, and it never fails to impress. Last summer, I brought it to a family gathering, and my nieces practically fought over the last slice. The strawberry-cream cheese combination reminds me of my grandmother's beloved pastries.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat Philadelphia-style cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest texture
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose bright red, ripe berries that are firm but not hard
- Buttermilk: Creates tenderness in the bread; real buttermilk is preferred over substitutes
- Strawberry Jello: Enhances color and flavor; don't skip this secret ingredient
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached for best results
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist longer than butter would
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation (15 minutes):
- - Bring cream cheese to room temperature
- Prep strawberries by chopping and mashing with sugar
- Grease and flour pan thoroughly to prevent sticking - Step 2: Making the Batter (20 minutes):
- - Beat cream cheese until silky smooth
- Incorporate wet ingredients gradually
- Fold in dry ingredients gently to maintain tenderness - Step 3: Baking (50-55 minutes):
- - Start at 350°F, then reduce to 325°F
- Monitor carefully after 45 minutes
- Test with wooden toothpick for doneness
My family particularly loves the cream cheese in this recipe. My daughter, who's usually picky about breakfast, requests this bread regularly. The tanginess of cream cheese perfectly balances the sweet strawberries.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Keeps fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days
- Refrigerate up to a week
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, combining the comfort of homemade bread with the luxury of cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Every time I make it, I'm reminded why simple, well-executed recipes often become our most treasured.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- → How do I store this bread?
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- → Can I skip the glaze?
- Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra flavor and sweetness.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
- You can use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
- → Can I make this bread gluten-free?
- Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.