Strawberry Lemonade Loaf

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure that the loaf comes out easily once it’s baked.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the batter until fully incorporated.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, then repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the loaf with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
8. Cool the Loaf: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry puree in a small bowl. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little more lemon juice or strawberry puree.
10. Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the loaf. You can also sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for added color and flavor.
11. Serve: Slice and serve the Strawberry Lemonade Loaf as a refreshing dessert or a sweet snack. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for the ultimate summer treat.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Lemonade Loaf:

• Bright and Refreshing Flavors: The combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberries makes this loaf a refreshing treat, perfect for warm weather.
• Moist and Tender: The sour cream (or yogurt) keeps the loaf incredibly moist and tender, while the strawberry puree adds natural sweetness and flavor.
• Easy to Make: This loaf is simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for when you want to bake something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer brunch, a birthday celebration, or just a casual dessert, this loaf is versatile and sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Ahead: This loaf can be baked a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors only get better as they meld together!
• Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before pureeing.
• Add More Fruit: For extra texture and flavor, you can add chunks of fresh strawberries to the batter or even blueberries for a mixed berry twist.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version of this loaf.
• Add Poppy Seeds: For a unique twist, sprinkle in some poppy seeds for added crunch and a pop of flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

Final Thoughts:

The Strawberry Lemonade Loaf is a delightful, sweet treat that combines two of the best flavors of summer—strawberries and lemons. With its moist texture, tangy glaze, and refreshing flavor, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, or treating yourself to something sweet, this loaf will satisfy your cravings for something light, fruity, and delicious. Try it once, and it will surely become a staple in your baking rotation!