I’ve always been a fan of strawberries – their juicy sweetness, vibrant color, and the way they can transform any dish into something special. And that’s exactly what they do in this Strawberry Bread recipe. Originating from the Southern United States, where strawberries are abundant and loved, this bread is a beloved treat that combines the comfort of homemade bread with the sweetness of a dessert. It’s not just a bread, it’s a celebration of strawberries. What makes this recipe unique is the addition of cinnamon, which gives it a warming, spicy touch that complements the strawberries wonderfully. Packed with fresh strawberries and sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet dessert. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, yet so delicious and satisfying. Plus, it fills your home with the most amazing aroma as it bakes! So, let’s gather our ingredients and get baking.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. fresh, crushed strawberries or 2 (10 oz.) containers frozen strawberries, thawed
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/4 c. salad oil
- 3 c. flour
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. chopped nuts
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
- In a medium bowl, stir berries, eggs and oil.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, soda, salt and nuts.
- Add berry mix to dry ingredients and stir until blended. Pour into greased pans.
- Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Calorie: 320
Total cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Strawberry Bread Saga
Let me take you on a journey, friend, to a time when the kitchen was my battleground and strawberries were my noble steeds! Picture me, apron-clad, armed with a whisk, ready to take on the daunting task of making Strawberry Bread.
The Battle Begins: Prepping the Oven and Pans
First things first, I had to preheat the oven to 350°. Now, you’d think this would be the easy part, but as a master procrastinator, I can assure you, turning that dial is a commitment. I mean, it’s practically saying, “You’re baking now, no turning back!”
After a brief pep talk to my reflection in the oven door, I cranked up the heat. Then, I greased and floured two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Greasing pans, now that’s another story. It’s like trying to give a cat a bath, but messier.
The Berry Mix-Up: Strawberries, Eggs, and Salad Oil
Next up, the strawberries. I had 2 1/2 cups of fresh, crushed strawberries at my disposal, looking as innocent as a newborn puppy. Little did they know, they were about to be mixed with 4 eggs and 1 1/4 cups of salad oil in a medium bowl. I felt like a mad scientist, creating a concoction of breakfast ingredients way past breakfast time.
The Plot Thickens: Flour, Sugar, Cinnamon, Soda, Salt, and Nuts
In a separate, larger bowl, I combined 3 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of chopped nuts. Now, you might be thinking, “Why separate bowls? Isn’t that just more dishes?” To which I say, “Yes, dear reader, yes it is.” But it’s also a critical step in the process, and I was not about to question the wisdom of the recipe.
The Grand Finale: Mixing and Baking
With both bowls prepped, it was time to merge the two. The berry mix met the dry ingredients, and let’s just say it was like a rom-com meet-cute, but with more stirring. I poured the batter into the greased pans, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Into the oven they went for about an hour. Now, an hour can seem like an eternity, especially when your kitchen starts to smell like a bakery. So, I did what any sane person would do. I paced around, poking the loaves with a toothpick every few minutes. Because nothing says “professional baker” like impatience, am I right?
The Sweet Victory: Strawberry Bread
Finally, after an hour that felt like forever, the toothpick came out clean. A sign of victory! I had braved the battle of Strawberry Bread and emerged victorious, with two beautiful, aromatic loaves as my trophy.
So, there you have it, the tale of my Strawberry Bread escapade. A story of bravery, persistence, and the power of strawberries. Remember, dear reader, in the kitchen, as in life, it’s the journey that matters. Though, a delicious loaf of strawberry bread at the end doesn’t hurt either.
Until our next culinary tale, keep those aprons tied and whisks at the ready!
