If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that brightens up any moment, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe. It combines the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese with the sweet freshness of juicy strawberries, wrapped up in a tender, buttery loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Every bite bursts with fruity goodness and just the right touch of sweetness, making this loaf a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role in making this loaf irresistibly tender and bursting with vibrant strawberry flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the loaf, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the loaf rise beautifully and keep it light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread.
- Cream cheese (softened): Delivers creamy moisture and subtle tang, making this loaf uniquely luscious.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right without overpowering the strawberries.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that complements the berries.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the loaf moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient that brings bursts of juicy flavor and lovely pink flecks throughout.
- Flour (for tossing strawberries): Helps prevent the chopped strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Optional glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla): For a shiny, sweet finish that adds a delicate touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This crucial first step sets you up for a loaf that releases easily and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures that your loaf will rise perfectly and have a balanced flavor, so take a moment to get these components nicely combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps make the loaf extra tender and gives it that wonderful texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter is smooth. These ingredients add moisture and subtle flavor that lifts the entire loaf.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and just until combined—over-mixing can make the loaf dense rather than light and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Toss your chopped fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom while baking. Then gently fold them into the batter, distributing the juicy bits evenly without breaking them down too much.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to fill with the irresistible aroma of berries and cream cheese baking to perfection!
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you love an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a simple glaze and drizzle it over the cooled loaf for a shiny, flavorful finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese butter makes every bite even more decadent and inviting.
Side Dishes
This loaf shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfect for leisurely mornings or afternoon treats. Pair it with fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt on the side to add extra brightness and a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your slices with a smear of strawberry jam and a handful of crushed pistachios for texture and a nutty flavor twist. You can also cut the loaf into mini squares for a charming party platter or brunch buffet that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator. Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven until just heated through. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness and release the wonderful aromas once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe because they provide the best texture and flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly, then toss with flour as usual to reduce excess moisture that can make the loaf soggy.
Is cream cheese necessary in this recipe?
Yes, cream cheese is one of the key ingredients in this recipe. It adds a unique creaminess and slight tang that sets this loaf apart from typical fruit breads, contributing to the moist and tender crumb.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt works perfectly and delivers a similar tang and moisture, making it a great option if you prefer or have it on hand.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your loaf is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add other berries or fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! While this is a classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe, you can experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches. Just toss them lightly in flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking or excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking a loaf that not only tastes amazing but fills your kitchen with the scent of fresh strawberries and sweet cream cheese. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that combines simplicity with delightful flavors in every slice. I can’t wait for you to try it and create a new staple in your baking repertoire that your friends and family will adore as much as you do.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or dessert. Combining fresh strawberries with creamy cream cheese and a soft, tender crumb, this loaf offers a delightful balance of sweet berries and rich texture. The optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing strawberries)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Produce
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and smooth batter texture.
- Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter becomes smooth and creamy, contributing moisture and richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to toughness.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss chopped fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, then fold them gently into the batter.
- Fill the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to allow it to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and ease of slicing.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for a sweet, glossy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
- You can add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a delicious flavor twist.
- Store the loaf in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- The loaf freezes well for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly.
