Name: Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter softened; ¾ cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cups strawberries finely chopped (about 8-10 strawberries); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ⅓ cup strawberries finely chopped (about 3-4 strawberries); ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and utterly comforting, this Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine a moist, flavorful quick bread, packed with juicy strawberries and finished with a dreamy strawberry glaze—perfect for breakfast or any time you need a little pick-me-up!

The image shows a loaf cake placed on a white rectangular plate over a white marbled surface. The cake has two visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden-brown textured cake with small pieces of red fruit evenly spread inside, and the top layer is a smooth, pale pink icing with small bits of red fruit embedded. Two slices are cut and laid in front of the cake, showing the inside texture clearly while the icing lightly coats the sides of the slices. In the background, there are pink and white polka dot and striped paper straws arranged casually. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve baked this strawberry bread just to have a cozy breakfast ready or a sweet afternoon snack on hand. It’s that kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in loaf form!

Super Moist Texture: Thanks to the fresh strawberries and just the right balance of ingredients, this bread stays tender and soft.
Quick & Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just simple mixing and baking at 350°F.
Flavor-Packed Glaze: The luscious strawberry glaze on top adds a sweet, fruity finish that makes every slice special.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this strawberry loaf fits the bill perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, a quick note about ingredients: using fresh, ripe strawberries is key to getting that juicy, vibrant strawberry flavor. Also, softened butter and room temperature milk help keep the batter smooth and mix easily for that perfect tender crumb.

Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, half a teaspoon of salt in a small white ceramic bowl, a quarter cup of softened unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, three quarters cup of granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, one large whole uncracked brown egg, one teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small white ceramic bowl, half a cup of milk in a small white ceramic bowl, about ten fresh red strawberries with green leaves, two cups of powdered sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, two tablespoons of melted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, half a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract in a small white ceramic bowl, one to two tablespoons of heavy cream in a small white ceramic bowl placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of this quick bread, giving it structure without being too dense.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the strawberry notes.
Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness but without added salt control.
Sugar: Sweetens the bread just right and encourages browning on the crust.
Egg: Adds structure and moisture binding everything together.
Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a warm, familiar note.
Milk: Hydrates the batter and keeps the crumb tender.
Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, finely chopped to distribute juicy bursts evenly throughout.
Powdered sugar: The base for the glaze, adding smooth sweetness.
Melted butter: Gives the glaze a luscious texture and silky shine.
Vanilla or almond extract: Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor, making it irresistibly tasty.
Heavy cream or milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to add a bit of extra sweetness, sneak in some healthy ingredients, or adjust it for dietary needs, this bread is a fantastic base to personalize.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the bread still baked up beautifully tender. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep that perfect crumb texture.
Dairy-Free Twist: For a dairy-free version, I replaced the milk with almond or oat milk and used coconut oil instead of butter. The bread remained moist and the strawberry flavor really shined through.
Seasonal Spin: In the late summer when berries are abundant, I like mixing strawberries with a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant berry medley bread. It makes every bite a delightful surprise!
Extra Crunch: Adding a tablespoon of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives the bread a lovely crunchy contrast to the tender crumb and juicy strawberries.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe

A three-layer dessert sits on a white plate, each thick layer coated with a pale pink, smooth glaze that has small bits of red strawberries embedded within and some crumbs scattered on top. The layers look soft and moist with a crumbly texture on the topmost layer. In the background, fresh strawberries in a white colander and more loose strawberries add a pop of red color, all set on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible in the front. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly spray your bread loaf pan with cooking spray or dust it with flour. This little prep step ensures your bread comes out smoothly without sticking—like a warm welcome for that tender, fruity goodness!

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. This blend gives your bread the light lift and perfect seasoning. Set the bowl aside—you’ll add this shortly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat ¼ cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add one large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for another minute. You'll notice the batter becomes smooth and creamy—a great base for tender bread.

Step 4: Alternately Add Milk and Flour Mixture

Pour in ½ cup milk along with half of the dry ingredients and mix gently for about 30 seconds. Then fold in the remaining dry mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch any stray flour lumps. Your batter will feel thick and dough-like at this point—which is exactly what you want for a tender crumb!

Step 5: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries

Gently stir in 1½ cups of finely chopped fresh strawberries (about 8–10 berries). This will loosen the batter just a bit as the juicy berries mingle throughout. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those pieces intact for bursts of fresh strawberry flavor in every slice.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of sweet strawberry and vanilla will start to fill your kitchen—a sign you’re close!

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

While your bread cools completely, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk until smooth. Stir in ⅓ cup finely chopped strawberries (3–4 berries). If you want a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until you get your preferred consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the bread has cooled completely, spread that luscious strawberry glaze evenly over the top. Slice, serve, and savor the tender crumb paired with the sweet, fruity glaze. This strawberry bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or just whenever you need a little sunshine in your day!

Top Tip

Mastering the Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe is all about the details. These tips will help you get the best texture, flavor, and presentation every time you bake.

Use Fresh Strawberries: I always pick ripe, juicy strawberries to fold into the batter, as they add natural sweetness and moisture without making the bread soggy.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until ingredients come together keeps your bread tender and prevents it from becoming tough—trust me, it’s tempting to mix more, but patience pays off!
Let the Bread Cool Completely: Waiting for it to cool before glazing avoids melting the glaze and helps it set beautifully atop the bread.
Prep Your Pan Properly: A lightly sprayed or floured loaf pan is key for easy release—this simple step saved me from many cracked loaf pan battles.

How to Serve Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy beige batter mixed evenly with small red pieces of strawberries throughout, the surface of the batter is slightly textured and spread flat. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible in the lower left corner. The image shows the dish ready to be baked, with no additional layers visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe, sprinkle powdered sugar over the glaze or add thin slices of fresh strawberries for a charming, fresh look. A light dusting of chopped pistachios or a few fresh mint leaves also make for lovely and tasty garnishes.

Side Dishes

This strawberry bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or brunch. For a savory contrast, serve alongside crispy bacon or a mild cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This revives the bread’s moisture and makes it taste freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones work fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess moisture before folding them into the batter to avoid sogginess.

Why is my strawberry bread dense?

Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agents. Mix just until ingredients are combined and check that your baking powder is fresh for best results.

Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?

Absolutely. You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk of your choice. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors right in your Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe.

Should I glaze the bread while warm or cooled?

It’s best to glaze the bread once it has completely cooled. Applying glaze while warm can cause it to melt and become too thin.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Tender Strawberry Bread Recipe has always been a joyful experience for me—there’s something heartwarming about the aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with the sweet glaze. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, I hope this recipe brings a little sweetness and sunshine to your day. Don’t forget to share your version and feedback—it truly means the world!