This Fresh Strawberry Bread is a moist, fruity, and irresistibly sweet quick bread that’s bursting with juicy strawberries and a hint of vanilla. With no yeast required, it’s the perfect no-fuss baking project for spring and summer! Finished with a light strawberry glaze, this delightful loaf works beautifully as a brunch treat, afternoon snack, or a dessert that feels just a little bit fancy. It’s simple, stunning, and packed with fresh berry flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients:
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Strawberries:
• 1½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
• ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing berries)

Glaze:
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons crushed strawberries
• 1 teaspoon milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. Combine wet ingredients: Stir in milk, oil, vanilla, and egg until just mixed. Avoid overmixing.

4. Prepare strawberries: In a small bowl, toss chopped strawberries with ¼ tsp sugar and 1 tbsp flour.

5. Fold in strawberries: Gently fold into the batter, then pour into prepared pan.

6. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate to cool completely.

8. Make glaze: Mix confectioners’ sugar, crushed strawberries, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

9. Glaze & serve: Drizzle over cooled bread, slice, and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per slice, estimated)

• Calories: 276 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 51g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 6.7g

• Saturated Fat: 1.3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 29g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 98mg

• Calcium: 75mg

• Vitamin C: 18mg

• Iron: 1.5mg

Why Quick Breads Are the Ultimate Baking Staple

Quick breads are loved for their simplicity and versatility. No kneading, no rising, no waiting around—just stir, pour, bake, and enjoy. This makes strawberry bread ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a low-stress recipe that delivers impressive results.

Unlike yeast-based loaves, quick breads rely on baking powder for their rise, which means the prep time is short and the crumb remains soft and cake-like. That tender crumb is what makes this bread perfect for soaking up the natural juices of fresh strawberries without becoming soggy or dense. The result is a loaf that’s moist and flavorful from edge to edge.

The Fresh Strawberry Difference

What truly sets this bread apart is the use of fresh strawberries. Unlike dried or frozen berries, fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and juiciness that transform each slice into something special. The berries are gently tossed in a touch of sugar and flour before being folded into the batter, which helps them stay suspended during baking and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

As the bread bakes, the strawberries soften and release their juices, creating little pockets of fruity flavor throughout the loaf. The contrast of the sweet berries with the subtly vanilla-scented base adds complexity while keeping the bread light and refreshing.

Fresh strawberries also give the bread a gorgeous pink tint in some bites, especially near the edges of the berries. This soft, natural color makes the loaf visually appealing and ideal for spring and summer entertaining.

A Simple Glaze That Shines

The finishing touch on this strawberry bread is a light strawberry glaze that adds just enough sweetness and sheen to elevate the loaf. Made with crushed fresh strawberries, confectioners’ sugar, and a splash of milk, the glaze is fruity, creamy, and visually stunning when drizzled over the cooled bread.

The glaze soaks ever so slightly into the top layer of the loaf, enhancing both flavor and moisture. Its pale pink color makes each slice look bakery-worthy, and the subtle berry tang complements the sweetness of the bread without overpowering it. For an extra-special presentation, consider topping the glaze with a few thin slices of fresh strawberry or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this strawberry bread is its versatility. It’s sweet enough to serve as a light dessert but not so sweet that it can’t be enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It’s also ideal for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, and springtime showers—or any time you want to highlight fresh seasonal produce in a crowd-pleasing way.

It makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, teachers, or neighbors, and it’s easy to package up beautifully. Just wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon, or slice it up and present it in a decorative tin for a more personalized touch.

You can also dress it up for special occasions by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a little flair when you’re serving guests.

Easy to Customize

This recipe is a great foundation for customization. You can add lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist or stir in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you prefer a richer flavor, swap the vegetable oil for melted butter or use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy depth.

To make it more dessert-like, try adding mini white chocolate chips, which melt into the bread for little bursts of sweetness that pair beautifully with the berries. If you’re baking for a dairy-free audience, the recipe adapts well to plant-based milk and vegan-friendly glaze options.

You can even make mini loaves or muffins instead of a full-sized loaf for easier portioning or faster baking time. No matter how you tweak it, the core flavors—fresh strawberries, tender crumb, and sweet glaze—remain deliciously intact.

Seasonal, Affordable, and Family-Friendly

Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits of spring and summer, making this bread a natural choice when berries are in season. It’s also an excellent way to use up extra strawberries that might be nearing the end of their peak. The baking process softens them and concentrates their flavor, making slightly overripe berries just as useful as freshly picked ones.

Because the ingredients are simple and affordable, this is a budget-friendly recipe that still feels luxurious. It’s great for families, since kids love the sweet taste and colorful look, and adults appreciate the balance of flavor and the wholesome homemade vibe.

It’s also a wonderful recipe for involving little helpers in the kitchen—kids can mix the batter, fold in the strawberries, or help drizzle the glaze on top. Baking together creates memories, and this strawberry bread is the kind of treat everyone will be proud to say they helped make.

Nutritional Value Meets Indulgence

While this bread leans toward the indulgent side with its glaze and sweet profile, it also delivers some nutritional benefits thanks to the fresh strawberries. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, and using them fresh means you’re getting all their natural goodness.

The bread is modest in fat, contains no yeast, and can easily be made with less sugar or adjusted for dietary preferences. It’s a treat that satisfies without feeling overly heavy, and thanks to its bright flavor and natural ingredients, it fits right into a balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion: A Loaf to Love Again and Again

This Fresh Strawberry Bread is more than just a quick bread—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and seasonal joy. With its tender crumb, vibrant berry bursts, and delicate pink glaze, it’s the kind of homemade treat that feels both comforting and a little bit special. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to try a slice.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home, hosting a weekend brunch, or surprising a friend with a sweet homemade gift, this bread fits the moment. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, a love letter to strawberry season, and a reminder that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones you’ll want to bake again and again.

So preheat your oven, grab your berries, and bake up something beautiful. This strawberry bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a slice of pure joy.