Description
Deliciously moist, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The cream cheese layer adds a luscious richness that pairs perfectly with the bright fruitiness of the strawberries. This easy-to-make quick bread will become a favorite for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the 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: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the buttermilk until well incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Strawberries
- Toss the diced strawberries in 1 tablespoon of the dry mixture to coat (this prevents them from sinking).
- Gently fold the dry ingredients and coated strawberries into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and spread gently, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the remaining bread batter, spreading it evenly to cover the cream cheese layer.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and patted dry.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid dense bread.
- Line the Pan: Parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bread out of the pan without sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cuisine: American