Holiday Strawberry Bread
A festive strawberry bread featuring sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful breakfast treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients together: flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix remaining ingredients: sugar, eggs, frozen strawberries, cooking oil, and chopped pecans if desired.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir carefully.
- Turn the batter into two greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Turn out onto cooling racks and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider using fresh strawberries if available, or substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can adjust the sugar to your taste, especially if using sweeter strawberries. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of strawberry bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. For a delightful dessert, serve with whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Strawberry Bread contains roughly 1599 calories, with 15g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen. However, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of fresh berries. Also, consider lightly mashing them to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could affect the bread's texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the bread's structure. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while baking.
How can I make this bread more festive for the holidays?
To make your strawberry bread more festive, consider adding chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even some orange zest for a citrusy kick. You could also top the bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles on top before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).