This strawberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a soft, moist texture. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is designed specifically for bread machines, making it easy to prepare.
Using simple ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy homemade strawberry bread with minimal effort. The bread machine does the hard work, ensuring a perfectly baked loaf every time.
Visual Appeal of Strawberry Bread
The sight of a freshly baked loaf of strawberry bread is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
With its golden brown crust and inviting soft texture, this bread is a feast for the eyes.
Slicing into the loaf reveals a moist interior, bursting with vibrant red strawberry pieces that promise a delightful flavor experience.
Set against a rustic wooden cutting board, the presentation is enhanced by a scattering of whole strawberries, emphasizing the freshness of the ingredients.
This visual combination not only highlights the bread’s fruity appeal but also makes it an attractive centerpiece for any meal.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of strawberry bread is a harmonious blend of sweetness and subtle tartness, thanks to the fresh strawberries.
Each bite offers a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack.
The addition of vanilla and optional almond extract adds depth, creating a comforting and inviting taste.
Hints of cinnamon can also be incorporated for those who enjoy a warm spice note, complementing the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
This balance of flavors makes strawberry bread a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgence.
Preparation Process
Making strawberry bread is a straightforward process, especially with the convenience of a bread machine.
Start by preparing the strawberries, tossing them with a bit of flour to keep them from sinking in the batter.
This simple step ensures that the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the loaf, providing bursts of flavor in every slice.
Next, mix the wet ingredients, combining sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and extracts until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, ensuring a thorough mix before adding them to the bread machine.
Finally, gently fold in the strawberries before starting the machine, allowing it to do the hard work of baking.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry bread can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Serve it warm, straight from the bread machine, or allow it to cool and slice it for a more traditional presentation.
It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
For breakfast, consider toasting slices and spreading a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on top.
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation, making it a lovely dish for brunch gatherings.
Storage Tips
To keep your strawberry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
It can last for several days, but for longer storage, consider freezing slices.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to maintain their moisture and flavor.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer for a quick treat.
This flexibility ensures that you can savor the delightful flavors of strawberry bread whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition Information
Strawberry bread not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a reasonable nutritional profile.
With approximately 180 calories per slice, it provides a sweet indulgence without overwhelming your daily intake.
Each slice contains about 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein, making it a balanced option for a snack or breakfast.
The carbohydrates from the bread, combined with the natural sugars from the strawberries, provide a quick energy boost, perfect for starting your day or refueling in the afternoon.
Enjoying this bread in moderation can be a delightful part of a balanced diet.
Easy Strawberry Bread for Bread Machine
This strawberry bread features a tender crumb infused with fresh strawberries, making it a deliciously sweet addition to your meal. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish and yields one 1.5-pound loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Pour the wet mixture into the bread machine pan, followed by the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the strawberries.
- Select the Cycle: Close the lid and select the quick bread or sweet bread cycle on your bread machine. Start the machine.
- Cool and Serve: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g