If you’ve been craving something delightfully sweet yet irresistibly creamy, I have just the thing for you. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is a perfect blend of soft, tender cake infused with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese swirl that will make every bite a little celebration. It’s easy enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon and elegant enough to impress guests, making it one of my all-time favorite treats to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to turning this simple loaf into a show-stopping dessert. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tangy cream cheese adding richness, to the bright, fresh strawberries that burst with flavor and color throughout the loaf.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the loaf, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the loaf rise to a soft, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for even leavening.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering the strawberries.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the loaf that keeps every bite irresistibly smooth.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a golden crust.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the loaf’s tender texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt: Adds a slight tang and keeps the loaf moist.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen): Delivers bursts of juicy, fruity goodness in every slice.
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves: Adds extra sweetness and beautiful berry swirls inside.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: For dusting and a touch of decorative sweetness.
- 1 tbsp fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Perfect for garnishing and adding a fresh pop of color.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. This simple step vastly improves the final presentation and ensures your loaf won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only combines the leavening agents evenly but also ensures no lumps sneak into your batter, which could affect texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step sets the stage for a soft, creamy crumb by incorporating air into your batter.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Beat in the sugar until fully combined with the butter and cream cheese. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic hint.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture, alternating with sour cream or yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix everything just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the loaf dense rather than tender.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries and Jam
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and strawberry jam or preserves. The key here is to be gentle—overmixing will deflate the batter and risk turning your loaf heavy.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The house will be filled with the most delightful aroma by this point!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely so you can slice it without it crumbling.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle finely chopped fresh strawberries. This simple touch adds a lovely pop of color and a bit of sweetness on top that makes every slice picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a light citrusy fruit compote to brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving slices with a drizzle of warmed strawberry jam or a smear of cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor. You could also toast slices lightly and add a smear of butter and honey—perfect for breakfast or brunch settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing
If you want to save the loaf for later, slice it first and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. This not only saves space but makes thawing quicker for a more convenient treat.
Reheating
To bring your loaf back to life, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or toast it lightly for a warm, slightly crisp edge. It tastes freshly baked every time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter.
Is it possible to substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to the loaf’s creamy texture and unique flavor, but for a lighter option, ricotta cheese can be used. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
How long will the loaf stay fresh?
This loaf is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the quality may start to decline.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger loaf or two loaves?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter between two pans. Adjust baking time as needed, starting to check at 50 minutes for doneness.
What can I do if my loaf turns out dense?
Dense loaf often means the batter was overmixed or the baking powder was expired. Make sure to mix just until ingredients combine and always check your leavening agents are fresh for best rise.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a homemade loaf, especially one bursting with the sweet tang of strawberries and the smooth richness of cream cheese. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe is a delightful find that I hope becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, it’s sure to bring smiles with every slice. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful treat combining the richness of cream cheese with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, it features a tender crumb, swirls of strawberry jam, and a subtle tang from sour cream or yogurt. The loaf is beautifully finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a garnish of finely chopped fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
Fruit and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen strawberries)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf dense.
- Add Strawberries and Jam: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries along with the strawberry jam or preserves, taking care not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out clean when the loaf is ready.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with finely chopped fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries work well if thawed and drained first.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and fluffy.
- You can substitute sour cream with yogurt for a slightly different tang.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
