The Best Strawberry Bread Recipe
The BEST Strawberry Bread Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $5.00 total, $0.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Strawberries (washed, hulled, diced small for batter)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (spooned into measuring cup and leveled; use a scale if possible)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for tossing strawberries to keep them from sinking)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (leavening agent)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (counts as a liquid when it melts)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature, beaten)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (mild oil for softness; can substitute with melted butter)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Whole Milk (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing loaf pan)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prep Strawberries for Batter
Wash, hull, and dice 1 cup (250 g) of strawberries into small pieces so they stay moist but don’t create large wet pockets.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups (240 g) flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt until evenly blended.
Time: PT5M
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl combine ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, and 1½ tsp vanilla. Whisk until smooth and slightly glossy.
Time: PT5M
Coat Strawberries
Toss the diced strawberries with 2 tbsp flour in a small bowl; this helps them stay suspended in the batter.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Loaf Pan
Grease a 9×5‑inch loaf pan with butter or non‑stick spray, ensuring all sides are lightly coated.
Time: PT2M
Combine Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—few streaks of flour are okay. Then fold in the flour‑coated strawberries, being careful not to over‑mix.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Bake for 55‑60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT55M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Strawberry Glaze
While the bread bakes, dice 3 large strawberries, mash them with a fork, then stir in 1 cup (110 g) powdered sugar and 1 tsp whole milk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Cool Bread
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time: PT10M
Glaze the Bread
Once fully cooled, drizzle or spoon the strawberry glaze over the top, letting it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: Frozen strawberries (thawed), Fresh raspberries
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour (reduce by 2 tbsp), Gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (light coating), Rice flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: 1 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (reduce other liquid by 2 tbsp)
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Large Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), Apple sauce (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Melted unsalted butter
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Almond extract (use half amount), Maple syrup (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners' sugar, Blend granulated sugar in blender
- Instead of Whole Milk: Heavy cream (1/2 tsp), Water (1 tsp, less flavor)
- Instead of Butter: Non‑stick cooking spray, Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 9x5‑inch Loaf Pan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fork
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wire Rack
- Baking Spray (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to the correct temperature.
- Toss strawberries with flour to prevent sinking.
- Fold batter gently; avoid over‑mixing.
- Bake until a skewer comes out clean.
- Apply glaze after the bread has fully cooled.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Sift the flour before measuring for a lighter crumb.
- Use room‑temperature milk and egg for a smoother batter.
- For extra strawberry flavor, reserve half of the diced strawberries for the glaze.
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense and heavy.
Make sure flour is spooned and leveled, not packed, and avoid over‑mixing the batter.
Strawberries sink to the bottom.
Coat the diced strawberries with flour before folding them into the batter.
Glaze is too runny.
Add a little more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
Top of the loaf browns too quickly.
Cover loosely with foil after 45 minutes of baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly; lasts up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 1 day; keep in a sealed container.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the bread a day ahead and store it refrigerated; glaze just before serving.
- Glaze can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Fresh Strawberry Bread in American cuisine?
Strawberry bread is a classic American quick‑bread that emerged in the mid‑20th century when home bakers began adding fresh fruit to simple batter recipes. It’s often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a snack during spring when strawberries are in season.
What are the traditional regional variations of strawberry bread in the United States?
In the Northeast, bakers often add a streusel topping, while Southern versions may incorporate buttermilk for extra tenderness. Some West Coast recipes swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
How is Fresh Strawberry Bread traditionally served in American households?
It is typically sliced and served at room temperature, sometimes toasted with a pat of butter. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a light breakfast or afternoon snack.
What occasions or celebrations is Fresh Strawberry Bread traditionally associated with in American culture?
Strawberry bread is popular for spring picnics, Easter brunches, and family gatherings when fresh strawberries are abundant. It’s also a frequent bake‑sale item at school fundraisers.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Fresh Strawberry Bread versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh strawberries, all‑purpose flour, baking powder, and vegetable oil. Acceptable substitutes are frozen strawberries (thawed), gluten‑free flour blends, or melted butter in place of oil, though texture may change slightly.
What other American dishes pair well with Fresh Strawberry Bread?
It pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of cream cheese, or a side of fresh fruit salad. For a savory contrast, serve it alongside a cheese platter featuring mild cheddar or goat cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Fresh Strawberry Bread?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense crumb, and not coating the strawberries with flour, causing them to sink. Also, using packed flour can make the loaf heavy.
Why does this Fresh Strawberry Bread recipe use vegetable oil instead of butter?
Vegetable oil stays liquid at refrigerator temperatures, keeping the bread soft and moist even after cooling. Butter can solidify and make the crumb firmer, especially when the bread is stored.
Can I make Fresh Strawberry Bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the loaf a day or two ahead. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. The glaze can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for two days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Fresh Strawberry Bread is done?
The loaf should have a golden‑brown crust, a slightly crisp exterior, and a soft, fluffy interior. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often featuring quick breads, desserts, and everyday comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simplicity, using pantry staples and minimal equipment while still delivering bakery‑quality results. The host often shares personal tips and shortcuts that make classic American baked goods less intimidating.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








