If you’re dreaming of a moist, berry-studded treat that’s as lovely for breakfast as it is for dessert, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is your new go-to recipe. This vibrant quick bread weaves together the lush sweetness of strawberries, the rich tang of cream cheese, and the buttery tenderness you crave in a good loaf—all with a cheerful golden crust that makes every slice irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering the joys of homemade treats, this strawberry-packed delight brings a little sunshine to your kitchen (and maybe a few delighted gasps at the table).

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf keeps things simple, calling only for everyday staples and a handful of fresh strawberries. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that perfect crumb, flavor, and pop of color that sets this recipe apart. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The foundation for your loaf, providing structure and tenderness to every bite.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners guarantee a lofty, light crumb—essential for a quick bread that isn’t dense.
Salt: Just a pinch that enhances every other flavor and keeps the loaf from tasting flat.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and that classic bakery-style texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds a subtle tanginess and makes each slice luxuriously moist and velvety.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right, balancing the tart fruit and creamy cheese.
Large eggs: Bind everything together for a cohesive, sliceable loaf.
Vanilla extract: Warm, fragrant background notes take the flavor up a notch.
Sour cream: Keeps the loaf tender and extra moist, with a subtle tang that complements the strawberries.
Fresh strawberries (diced, tossed in flour): The star of the show—juicy, sweet, and bursting with summer flavor in every bite.
Turbinado sugar (optional): A crunchy, sparkly topping that’s totally optional, but makes the crust absolutely magical.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper (for easy lift-out later). A little extra effort here means your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf pops out clean and flawless.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents get distributed evenly, so every bite of your loaf will be perfectly fluffy and balanced from edge to center.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes and is worth the patience. This step gives your loaf its melt-in-your-mouth texture and ensures that every slice is decadently soft.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is smooth and evenly incorporated. This is where the creamy richness and subtle depth start to build in your batter.

Step 5: Combine Batter and Add Strawberries

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make your loaf tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Gently fold in the diced strawberries that have been tossed in flour; this light coating helps them stay beautifully suspended throughout the loaf instead of sinking.

Step 6: Into the Pan and Oven

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you like a sweet crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of turbinado sugar over the top. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The loaf should be deeply golden with a crackly top that hints at the treat inside.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack. Give it time to cool completely—this helps the texture set and makes for easier slicing. Patience is hard, but so worth it!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Garnishes

A few simple touches can make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf look truly special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish, some extra sliced strawberries on top, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs like a dream with everything from strong morning coffee to a fresh fruit salad or tangy Greek yogurt. Serve it as part of a brunch spread, or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an afternoon treat that hits all the right notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Slice your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf into fingers for easy-to-grab snack portions, or cube it to use as the base for a strawberry shortcake trifle. You can also toast slices gently and serve with a thin swipe of butter or extra cream cheese for a gloriously decadent snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like it to last longer, just pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, gently reheat a slice of Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm in a low oven. This brings back that irresistibly soft, tender crumb and revives the wonderful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If using frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them really well before adding to the batter. Too much moisture can make your loaf soggy, so pat them dry and proceed as usual.

Is it possible to make this loaf gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular all-purpose flour. The texture may differ slightly, but you’ll still get that creamy, berry-swirled magic.

Why do I need to coat the strawberries in flour?

Tossing the diced strawberries in flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring every slice of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is dotted with juicy berry bits from top to bottom.

Can I add other fruits or flavors?

For a twist, try tossing in blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips. A bit of lemon zest (about ½ teaspoon) brightens up the flavor even more—customize to your heart’s content!

How do I know when the loaf is baked through?

When the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter), your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is ready to come out of the oven. Start checking around 55 minutes, as ovens can vary.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is just how easily it fits into any occasion, from brunches and showers to lazy afternoons with a book and a mug of tea. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe—or if you find yourself baking it again and again. Give it a try and let this sweet, berry-filled loaf brighten your day!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cream cheese with this easy-to-make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, this moist and tender loaf is bursting with fruity goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

Additional:

1 ¼ cups fresh strawberries (diced and lightly tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)
Optional: 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for topping

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then gently fold in the floured strawberries.
Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired, and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For added zest, incorporate ½ teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter.
If using frozen strawberries, ensure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the batter.
This loaf stays fresh wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American