If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, fruity treat that feels like a warm hug, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist bread bursting with fresh strawberries and swirled with creamy, luscious cream cheese in every bite. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting dessert. This loaf is as beautiful as it is delicious, with vibrant berry color and a soft crumb that will make you want to bake it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and this recipe calls for simple, everyday staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible strawberry flair.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the loaf structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give the loaf a light and airy rise.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture for that soft, luscious bite.
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient, delivering a creamy, tangy surprise in every slice.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the berry flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the loaf’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant note that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Sour cream or yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang for depth of flavor.
- Fresh strawberries: For bursts of juicy freshness and vibrant color.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Swirled in to amplify the strawberry goodness and create pockets of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar and finely chopped strawberries: Optional touch to sprinkle on top for an elegant finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This little prep ensures your loaf will release effortlessly once baked, preserving that beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination forms the backbone of your cake-like loaf and helps it rise evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step creates a creamy base that gives the loaf its richness and tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Next, mix in the sugar until fully combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to build warm, aromatic undertones that complement the strawberries wonderfully.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Sour Cream
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt). Start and finish with the dry mix, combining just until everything is incorporated. This gentle method helps keep the loaf tender and prevents overmixing, which can make it dense.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries and Jam
Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and dollops of strawberry jam or preserves. These juicy bursts create a beautiful swirl and flavor pop inside the loaf. Be gentle to avoid breaking the berries and turning the batter pink.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Your loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely not only makes slicing easier but also lets the flavors settle into that perfect harmony we all crave.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a delicate, snowy finish. A few finely chopped fresh strawberries add a pop of color and a fresh burst of strawberry flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the loaf’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thickly and serve with a smear of extra cream cheese or strawberry jam on top. For an elegant touch, layer slices between whipped cream and fresh berries to build a quick trifle. Your guests will be wowed by this creative twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your loaf fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it perfect for weekend grazing.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in foil and then a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy a fresh-baked feel, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, to retain that tender crumb and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, just make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid to keep the batter from getting too wet and heavy.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key for the signature texture and flavor, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different, still creamy result.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Just ensure they are of similar consistency for best results.
How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center. If it emerges clean or with a few moist crumbs, your loaf is perfectly baked.
Can I add other fruits to this loaf?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches would be wonderful additions or substitutes. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the right moisture level.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh berries and creamy goodness that’s bound to brighten your day. It’s straightforward enough for a cozy weekend bake yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Once you taste that moist crumb and the luscious cream cheese swirls, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite. So go ahead, try it out, and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist and flavorful quick bread featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and butter within a tender strawberry-studded batter. Sweetened with sugar and enriched with sour cream, this loaf carries fresh strawberry pieces and a swirl of strawberry jam for bursts of fruity flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s topped with a delicate strawberry and powdered sugar garnish that adds a pretty finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
Fruits and Toppings
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen strawberries)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully blended, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until combined. Then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Strawberries and Jam: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and strawberry jam or preserves. Take care not to overmix to keep the loaf tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy batter.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess moisture before folding into the batter to prevent sogginess.
- The loaf is perfect served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Store leftover loaf airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Powdered sugar and finely chopped strawberries on top add a pretty, delicate finishing touch but can be omitted if preferred.
