Introduction
Welcome to this delightful recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf! If you’re looking for a delicious and visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a moist and fluffy loaf. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic baking techniques, you’ll have a beautiful and scrumptious dessert in no time. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cream cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, this loaf is moist and tender, making each bite a true delight.
Ingredients
To make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup sour cream
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
9. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the loaf pan, creating a layer in the center.
10. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
11. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before using them. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the final loaf.
– Dice the strawberries into small pieces to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the loaf.
– Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough loaf.
– To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready.
Variations and Substitutions
– If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you can substitute them with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
– For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter.
– If you prefer a sweeter loaf, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries on top. You can also slice it and serve it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. This loaf is perfect for picnics, brunches, or any special occasion.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw and drain the frozen berries before using them in the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze this loaf for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delectable Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf. Its soft and moist texture, combined with the sweet and tangy flavors, make it a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf
A delightful and visually appealing dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a moist and fluffy loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the loaf pan, creating a layer in the center.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
