Description
Strawberry Shortcake Sweetheart Bread is a soft, tender loaf inspired by classic strawberry shortcake. Made with fresh strawberries, vanilla flavor, and topped with a sweet glaze, this pretty pink-flecked bread is perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or gifting.
Ingredients
Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
Strawberry Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry puree or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, thoroughly mix the milk, yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the diced fresh strawberries with one tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Fold Strawberries into Batter: Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Bread: Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Tossing the strawberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Frozen strawberries can be used directly without thawing to maintain the texture and prevent excess moisture.
- The bread stays moist for several days when stored properly.
- Store the bread covered at room temperature or refrigerate to prolong freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
