Fresh Strawberry Bread is a delightful, moist loaf that brings the sweet, tangy essence of fresh strawberries to your table. Paired with a rum-infused glaze and accented by a hint of lemon zest, this bread offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to brighten any meal, be it breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Let’s go through the process of making this scrumptious strawberry bread, ensuring each step is executed to perfection for a truly delicious outcome.
For the Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder & 1/4 teaspoon salt: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures the bread is tender.
- 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rum extract: Gives a warm, rich flavor that complements the strawberries.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note.
- 2 cups finely diced fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, offering bursts of sweet and tangy flavor.
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the vegetable oil, milk, rum extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the diced strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to coat. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the coated strawberries into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Creates a sweet base for the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract: Echoes the flavor in the bread.
- 1/3 cup finely diced fresh strawberries: Adds fresh strawberry flavor and texture to the glaze.
Preparation:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and rum extract until smooth.
- Add Strawberries: Stir in the diced strawberries.
- Drizzle Over Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Conclusion
Fresh Strawberry Bread with Rum-Infused Glaze is a celebration of the sweet, nuanced flavors of strawberries, enhanced by the depth of rum and the brightness of lemon. This bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect addition to any table. Enjoy the process of baking this delightful bread, and relish in the pleasure of sharing it with friends and family.