Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

If you’re craving something sweet, moist, and irresistibly creamy, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread will hit the spot. Packed with fresh strawberries and a rich cream cheese swirl, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. It’s soft, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent without being too heavy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and Tender – Thanks to buttermilk and cream cheese, every bite is soft and flavorful.
Bursting with Fresh Strawberries – Juicy berries add a pop of color and fruity goodness.
Creamy Swirl – A sweet, tangy cream cheese ribbon makes this bread stand out.
Easy to Make – No mixer required and ready in under an hour.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch tables, tea time, or gifting to friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp flour (to coat strawberries)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Two mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Hand mixer or fork
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Toss the chopped strawberries in 1 tbsp flour (this keeps them from sinking). Gently fold the berries into the batter.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a fork.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then gently spread it out.
Add the remaining bread batter on top and spread it evenly.
Swirl gently with a knife if you want a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy! This bread tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread
Coat Strawberries in Flour – Helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Don’t Overmix – Gently fold the batter to keep the bread soft and tender.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – This ensures a smooth, lump-free swirl.
Let It Cool Fully – Cream cheese fillings need time to set properly.
Freeze for Later – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions
Warm with a bit of butter or cream cheese spread
Served with coffee or a vanilla latte
As a sweet brunch side alongside eggs and fruit
Topped with a scoop of vanilla yogurt and extra berries
Dusted with powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Room Temp: If eating within 1 day, you can store it in a sealed container at room temperature.

Freezing:
Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a few hours.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm slices for 10–15 seconds.
Toaster Oven: Toast for a slightly crisp edge and soft center.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
3. Can I skip the cream cheese swirl?
   You can, but it adds a delicious contrast to the sweet bread.
4. Why is my bread gummy or undercooked?
   It might be slightly underbaked. Try extending the bake time and check the center with a toothpick.
5. What other fruits can I use?
   Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches work beautifully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is a wonderful mix of fruity sweetness and creamy richness. Whether you’re baking it for a special breakfast, sharing with friends, or enjoying it with your afternoon coffee, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor—everything you want in a homemade quick bread.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review. Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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