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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
- Hull and chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces. If you want a more even distribution of strawberries in the bread, you can toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom during baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes and will help create a soft and airy texture in the bread.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Add the Sour Cream
- Mix in the sour cream, which will add moisture and tenderness to the bread. Stir until fully combined.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser bread. The batter will be thick.
8. Fold in the Strawberries
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries (and lemon zest if using) into the batter. Ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
9. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter with brown sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Tip: If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
10. Cool and Serve
- Once the bread is baked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Sour Cream Bread
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can work, but they may release more moisture and alter the texture of the bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: If you like a little extra texture or flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Make Mini Loafs: For a fun twist, you can make mini loaves instead of one large loaf. Just reduce the baking time to around 30-40 minutes.
Why This Bread Is So Special
Strawberry Sour Cream Bread combines two beloved ingredients—fresh strawberries and sour cream—to create a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. The slight tang of the sour cream enhances the sweetness of the strawberries, while the rich texture of the bread makes every bite indulgent and satisfying. The recipe is easy enough for a beginner baker yet impressive enough to share at a gathering or brunch.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this strawberry bread will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking it to enjoy with a cup of tea, sharing it at a potluck, or gifting it to someone special, this delightful treat is sure to bring smiles and compliments.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of Strawberry Sour Cream Bread fresh from the oven. The moist, tender crumb and bursts of sweet, juicy strawberries make it a standout recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. Perfect for any season, this bread brings the sweet, fruity flavors of summer into your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack.
Try it today, and experience the joy of this sweet and tangy treat—your taste buds will thank you!
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