Simple Strawberry Loaf: Moist, berry-studded perfection.:

My First Strawberry Loaf

I made my first strawberry loaf by accident. I had too many berries from the market. They were going soft. I thought, I cannot waste these.

So I mixed them into a simple batter. The whole house smelled like sweet berries. My grandson said it was my best mistake ever. I still laugh at that.

Why This Recipe Works

This loaf is so moist and happy. The oil keeps it tender for days. The berries make little juicy pockets.

You must not overmix the batter. A few lumps are just fine. Overmixing makes the loaf tough. Gentle folding is the secret.

A Little Kitchen Magic

When you put the pans in the oven, the wait begins. The smell of cinnamon and strawberries fills the air. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Fun fact: The baking soda makes the loaf rise. It reacts with the juicy strawberries. That is what gives you a nice, light crumb.

Sharing is the Best Part

This recipe makes two loaves. That is no accident. One is for your family to eat right away. The other is for sharing.

Food tastes better when you give it away. It connects us. That is why this matters. It is a small act of love.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Do you like nuts in your baked goods? I love the crunch from pecans. But you can leave them out if you prefer.

What is your favorite fruit to bake with? Is it apples or bananas? Tell me about your favorite quick bread. I would love to know.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
All-purpose flour	3 cups
Salt	1 teaspoon
Sugar	2 cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Chopped pecans	1 cup
Frozen sliced strawberries	1 (14-ounce) bag	Thawed and coarsely chopped (or 16-ounces fresh, hulled and coarsely chopped)
Vegetable oil	1 cup
Eggs	3	Lightly beaten

My Simple Strawberry Loaf: A Sweet Memory

My grandkids call this my “magic berry bread.” It always disappears so fast! I love making it because it fills the whole house with a sweet, cozy smell. It reminds me of my own Abuela’s kitchen. She taught me that the best baking comes from the heart.

This loaf is so moist and packed with juicy strawberries. The little bit of cinnamon makes it extra special. You just mix everything in one big bowl. It’s that simple. Are you ready to bake some magic with me? Let’s get started.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add the strawberries, pecans, oil, and eggs. Gently stir until the flour is just incorporated and the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert, Snack

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s wonderful just as it is. But it’s also happy to change its clothes! Here are a few fun ways to make it new. I still laugh at the time I added chocolate chips for my grandson. He said it was his best day ever.

• Sunshine Lemon Zest: Add the zest from one lemon to the batter. It makes the strawberries taste even brighter!
• Chocolate Chip Berry: Swap the pecans for a cup of chocolate chips. This one is a kid favorite for sure.
• Triple Berry Bliss: Use a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. It’s a beautiful, colorful surprise in every slice.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Slice

Now, how should we enjoy our beautiful loaf? A warm slice all by itself is pure happiness. But you can make it even more special. I love seeing a little one’s face light up when I serve it.

For a real treat, toast a slice and spread on some creamy butter. A dollop of whipped cream turns it into dessert. Or, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream are a dream together.

What should we drink with it? A tall, cold glass of milk is my go-to. It’s the perfect partner. For the grown-ups, a cup of sweet iced tea or a little glass of rosé wine is lovely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Loaf Fresh

This loaf stays wonderfully moist. Let it cool completely first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

It will last three days on the counter. You can also freeze it for later. I wrap slices individually for quick treats.

I once gave a loaf to my neighbor. She froze it for a whole month. She said it tasted just-baked when she thawed it.

Batch cooking means you always have a sweet gift ready. It saves you time on busy days. This little bit of planning makes life sweeter.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Loaf

Is your loaf soggy in the middle? Your strawberries might have been too wet. Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing.

I remember when my first loaf was too dense. I had mixed the batter too much. Now I stir just until everything is combined.

If the top browns too fast, tent it with foil. This stops the top from burning. The inside will keep cooking perfectly.

Getting it right builds your confidence in the kitchen. A perfect texture makes the flavor even better. Every small success is a joy.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Strawberry Loaf Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The result will be just as tasty.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: Absolutely. Bake it a day before you need it. The flavors get even better overnight.

Q: What can I use instead of pecans?

A: Walnuts are a great swap. Or you can leave nuts out completely.

Q: Can I make mini loaves?

A: Yes, just reduce the baking time. Start checking them after 30 minutes.

Q: Any optional add-ins?

A: A handful of chocolate chips is a happy addition. My grandkids love this fun fact.

Which tip will you try first?

Bake Some Sweet Memories

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen. The smell of baking is a wonderful thing. It makes a house feel like a home.

I love seeing your creations. It makes me so happy to see your families enjoying this treat.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Lena Morales.