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This indulgent strawberry cream cheese bread combines fresh berries and rich cream cheese into a delicately tender loaf. Each slice reveals a beautiful pink-hued crumb studded with juicy strawberries, while cream cheese adds moisture and richness to both the bread and its delicate glaze.
This bread has become a staple at family gatherings, where everyone loves discovering pockets of fresh strawberries in each slice.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet berries for best flavor
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat provides the richest results
- Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and subtle tang
- Strawberry Gelatin: Enhances color and berry flavor
- Eggs: Must be room temperature for proper mixing
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Properly softened cream cheese and perfectly ripe strawberries will give you the best results.
Step-by-Step Method
- 1. Prepare the Berries:
- Dice strawberries uniformly and mix with sugar. Let stand 15-20 minutes to release juices. Dust with flour before mixing into batter.
- 2. Make the Batter:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in strawberry juice and vanilla extract.
- 3. Combine Ingredients:
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Add buttermilk and oil gradually. Fold in floured strawberries last.
- 4. Baking:
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Tap pan to remove air bubbles. Bake in center of oven, checking at 35 minutes with a toothpick.
- 5. Cooling:
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack. Cool completely before glazing.
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Serving and Storage
Serve slightly warm with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Additional strawberries
- Hot coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Lemon curd
Store in airtight container up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.
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Seasonal Adaptations
- Spring: Add mint and lemon zest
- Summer: Include blueberries for patriotic colors
- Fall: Incorporate warming spices
- Winter: Use strawberry preserves
- Year-round: Experiment with different berries
Temperature Tips
Room temperature ingredients are crucial:
- Soften cream cheese for 2 hours
- Let eggs reach room temperature for 1 hour
- Use room temperature buttermilk
- Cool bread completely before glazing
This versatile bread works equally well for special occasions or everyday enjoyment. Taking time with each step ensures perfect results every time.
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Final Notes
Fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and buttermilk create a perfectly balanced loaf. Quality ingredients and careful technique result in a bread that's both impressive and comforting - ideal for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake this bread with frozen berries?
- Yes, but make sure you thaw and drain them. Fresh berries will give you the best results.
- → What does adding strawberry Jello do?
- It boosts the strawberry flavor and gives the bread a fun pink color.
- → How do I store this loaf for freshness?
- Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for one week.
- → Do I really need the cream cheese glaze?
- Not at all! But it adds wonderful flavor and keeps the loaf moist longer. You can dust powdered sugar instead.
- → Why does the flavor improve after a day?
- The ingredients have time to settle and blend, making it taste even richer and sweeter.