Name: Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter softened; ¾ cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cups strawberries finely chopped (about 8-10); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 Tablespoons melted butter; ⅓ cup strawberries finely chopped (about 3-4); ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract; 1-2 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Nothing beats the joy of homemade treats, and this Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s a moist, tender loaf bursting with fresh strawberries, finished off with a luscious, sweet glaze that makes every bite unforgettable.

The image shows a loaf of cake on a white rectangular plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two slices cut and laid flat in front, showing a soft, moist light yellow inside dotted with small pieces of red fruit. The top of the cake is covered with a thick, pale pink icing that has bits of red fruit mixed in, dripping slightly over the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I baked this bread — the air filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and vanilla had me eagerly waiting for that first slice. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo with your morning coffee.

Fresh strawberries: They bring vibrant color, refreshing flavor, and a natural sweetness that infuses the bread.
Moist texture: Thanks to the balance of butter, milk, and chopped berries, this bread stays perfectly tender.
Easy sweet glaze: The strawberry-infused icing adds a beautiful finishing touch that’s both pretty and delicious.
Versatile treat: Ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert — it fits any occasion!

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this strawberry bread, choosing fresh ripe strawberries is key — they give you the best flavor without added wateriness. Also, I like to use regular all purpose flour and unsalted butter to control the saltiness and sweetness perfectly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder in a small white bowl, half a teaspoon of salt in a small white bowl, a quarter cup of softened unsalted butter shaped into a neat square, a small pile of granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl containing vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with milk, a cluster of eight to ten fresh whole strawberries with green tops, two cups of powdered sugar in a small white bowl, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl with heavy cream, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure to keep the bread tender yet sturdy.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely and gives it a light crumb.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture without extra salt.
Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a soft crumb.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Milk: Keeps the bread soft and light.
Fresh strawberries: Finely chopped to distribute evenly and infuse the bread with juicy bursts of fruit.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing smooth sweetness and that perfect drizzling texture.
Melted butter (for glaze): Adds subtle richness and helps the glaze set beautifully.
Vanilla or almond extract: Gives the glaze a fragrant lift.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling or spreading.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The joy of this Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe is how easily it adapts to your own tastes and needs. Whether you want to swap out ingredients or amp up the strawberry flavor, there’s always a way to make this loaf uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve had great success replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and the bread turns out just as moist and tender!
Dairy-Free Version: For those avoiding dairy, swapping butter with vegan butter and milk with almond or oat milk makes the perfect dairy-free strawberry bread that’s still rich and flavorful. Using a plant-based heavy cream alternative in the glaze keeps it luscious.
Extra Berry Boost: Sometimes I like to mix in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries along with the chopped strawberries. It adds a beautiful variety of berry flavors and a bit of color to the bread.
Seasonal Spin: Try mixing in finely chopped fresh peaches or nectarines during the summer months for a sweet and fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a two-layer strawberry dessert on a white plate. Each layer is thick and pale pink with visible pieces of red strawberries inside. The top layer has a crumbly, light beige topping sprinkled unevenly across its surface. The dessert’s texture looks smooth and slightly shiny with some parts appearing soft and creamy. In the background, there is a white colander filled with whole strawberries, and a few strawberries scattered on the white marbled surface nearby. A red and white striped cloth is placed in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready once your batter is mixed. Also, get your bread loaf pan lightly sprayed or dusted with flour so the bread slips out easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Having this dry mix ready makes adding it to your wet ingredients seamless and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat ¼ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes and is key to a tender crumb. Then add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating on medium speed for about a minute to fully incorporate them for a smooth batter.

Step 4: Add Milk and Flour in Two Stages

Pour in ½ cup milk, then add half of your flour mixture, mixing for around 30 seconds. Next, add the remaining flour mixture. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix so everything blends evenly. You’ll notice the batter thickens quite a bit — the perfect texture for folding in strawberries.

Step 5: Fold in the Finely Chopped Strawberries

Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of finely chopped strawberries (about 8-10 berries). This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the berries without overmixing, which can make the bread dense. After folding, the batter will loosen a bit and become beautifully studded with fresh strawberry bits.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of strawberries and vanilla will fill your kitchen — a delightful sign your bread is ready!

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Glazing

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool fully in the pan or on a rack. Glazing while the bread is warm can cause the glaze to melt and run, so patience here pays off with a beautiful fresh strawberry glaze topping.

Step 8: Whisk Together the Sweet Strawberry Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk until smooth. Stir in ⅓ cup finely chopped strawberries (about 3-4 berries) for that fresh burst of strawberry flavor. Keep whisking until everything blends into a glossy glaze.

Step 9: Adjust and Apply the Glaze

If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add extra powdered sugar in ¼ cup increments until it reaches your desired consistency. Then, spread or drizzle the glaze evenly over your cooled strawberry bread. Let it set a few minutes before slicing to enjoy that perfect sweet finish.

Top Tip

Getting your Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe just right is all about the little details, and these tips will help you bake a loaf that's moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed every time.

Finely Chop Strawberries: I learned the hard way that finely chopping your fresh strawberries prevents watery pockets in the bread, keeping the texture tender and consistent.
Don't Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy.
Let the Bread Cool Completely: Applying the glaze to warm bread can cause it to melt and run off. Patience really pays off here for that perfect glossy finish.
Adjust Glaze Consistency Gradually: Adding powdered sugar in small increments lets you control how thick or drippy your glaze becomes — there's nothing like customizing it to your preference!

How to Serve Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a creamy beige batter mixed with small red fruit pieces evenly spread throughout, the batter has a textured, slightly swirled surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with red checkered lines is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch by garnishing slices with a few whole strawberries or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also creates a beautiful, delicate finish that's perfect for morning brunch or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

Strawberry bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're serving it as dessert. For breakfast or snack time, try fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even a mild cheese like ricotta to complement the sweet, fruity flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. When refrigerated, it will stay great for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a slice or two without any waste.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag to freeze. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven on low heat to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Be cautious not to overheat, so the glaze stays luscious without melting off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen as a substitute if you thaw and drain them thoroughly first to reduce excess moisture in the batter.

How do I know when the strawberry bread is fully baked?

Bake the bread at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is moist but fully cooked through.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir gently before glazing the bread for the best consistency.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the glaze to keep this recipe dairy-free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Bread with Sweet Glaze Recipe is such a joyful experience—each bite wraps you in the warmth of fresh strawberries and a tender crumb, topped with that irresistible glaze. Whether you're treating yourself for breakfast or sharing with loved ones, I hope this recipe brings a little extra sweetness to your day. Happy baking!