Easy Strawberry Bread
Soft, Moist, and Bursting with Fresh Strawberry Flavor
Nothing compares to the delightful aroma of freshly baked strawberry bread filling your kitchen. This moist and fluffy treat is packed with fresh strawberries, creating a naturally sweet and fruity flavor in every bite.
This recipe is egg-free, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary preferences or restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or light dessert, this bread is a delicious way to enjoy juicy strawberries in a homemade baked good.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Loaf Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set it aside.
2. Make the Buttermilk Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add in the buttermilk mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside one-fourth cup of this flour mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
6. Prepare the Strawberries
Toss the diced fresh strawberries in the reserved one-fourth cup of flour mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold them into the batter.
7. Transfer to the Baking Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the baking pan in the center rack and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cooling and Serving
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing and slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Bread
- Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the bread dense.
- Do not overmix the batter, as it can make the bread tough instead of soft and fluffy. Mix only until just combined.
- Coat the strawberries with flour before folding them into the batter to keep them from sinking.
- Allow time to cool before slicing to maintain the bread’s structure.
- For mini loaves, reduce the baking time to 30–35 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
How to Serve Strawberry Bread
This strawberry bread is perfect on its own, but for extra indulgence, drizzle it with a simple vanilla glaze. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also a great way to enhance its sweetness.
For a complete experience, serve a slice with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a cold glass of almond milk. A side of fresh berries or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt complements this delicious treat perfectly.
Enjoy every bite of this tender, fruit-filled strawberry bread. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as a next-day snack, it’s sure to be a delightful addition to your recipe collection.