Description
Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful quick bread featuring juicy diced strawberries swirled with a sweetened cream cheese filling. This moist and tender loaf is perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a beautiful marbled effect and a balance of fruity and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (diced and tossed with 1 tablespoon flour)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk for moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries that have been tossed with a tablespoon of flour; this prevents the fruit from sinking and distributes them evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining batter and use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely, which stops the cooking process and helps maintain texture.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Before serving, bring the bread to room temperature or gently warm it to enhance the texture and flavor.
