The Ultimate Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Bread: A Moist & Flavorful Quick Bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the taste of ripe, succulent strawberries, especially during the peak of spring and summer. This Fresh Strawberry Bread with Buttermilk perfectly captures that seasonal delight, creating a loaf that is truly bursting with vibrant berry flavor. Baked to an incredibly tender and moist perfection, every slice promises a delightful experience. The secret to its light and fluffy crumb? Buttermilk, which also imparts a subtle, pleasant tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries. A touch of pure vanilla extract and bright orange zest further elevate the flavors, ensuring a sweet and aromatic finish that will leave you craving more.
Spring and summer truly offer the best time to enjoy strawberries when they reach their peak flavor and sweetness. There’s simply no comparison to the juicy, sun-kissed berries picked fresh from the field or found at your local farmer’s market. I adore incorporating these seasonal gems into a wide array of recipes, from creating luscious homemade jam to whipping up fluffy strawberry butter, or even layering them into delightful overnight oats for a quick and healthy breakfast. Throughout the months of May to September, you’ll often find me with bright red strawberry juice playfully dripping down my arm, a testament to all the joyful baking and snacking that these delicious fruits inspire!
What makes this strawberry quick bread so appealing is how effortlessly it comes together, unlike traditional yeast breads that demand more time and patience. Quick breads, by definition, rely on chemical leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, allowing them to be mixed and baked in a fraction of the time. If you share my love for simple, fruit-filled quick breads, especially those highlighting seasonal produce, you absolutely must try my blueberry banana bread, a delightful twist on a classic, or my festive cranberry gingerbread loaf, perfect for cooler months. This strawberry buttermilk bread will quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection for its ease and irresistible flavor.
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Why This Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Bread Recipe Works
This isn’t just another quick bread recipe; it’s a carefully crafted approach to deliver maximum flavor and an exceptional texture with minimal fuss. Here’s why this fresh strawberry buttermilk bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, perfect for any occasion from a casual breakfast to an elegant brunch:
- Effortless to Make: Forget the stand mixer and complicated techniques. This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring only a couple of bowls and a whisk. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying bake.
- Fantastic Way to Use Fresh Strawberries: When strawberries are abundant and at their sweetest, this bread offers a delicious solution to incorporate them into your baking. It truly lets their natural flavor shine.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Many fruit breads can be overly sweet, but this recipe strikes a delightful balance. The natural tartness of the buttermilk and the zest of orange cut through the sweetness, ensuring a bread that is enjoyable for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.
- Incredibly Moist and Fluffy: The combination of buttermilk and oil creates a luxuriously moist crumb that stays fresh for days. The leavening agents work in harmony with the buttermilk to give the loaf a beautiful, airy texture.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: Who can resist juicy strawberries baked into a soft, comforting bread? Its gentle flavors and delightful aroma make it a huge hit with children and adults alike.
- An Excellent Hostess Gift: Baked goods from the heart are always appreciated. This beautiful loaf makes a thoughtful and impressive gift for friends, family, or as a contribution to a potluck.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving it for a leisurely breakfast, a festive brunch, an afternoon snack with tea, or even a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, this strawberry bread fits every occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Buttermilk Bread
Creating this irresistible fresh strawberry bread with buttermilk relies on a few easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The true stars of this recipe are, of course, the strawberries, so selecting the best ones is crucial. Look for strawberries that are deep red all over, fragrant, and on the smaller side – these tend to be the sweetest and most flavorful. Avoid pale or mushy berries.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing the necessary structure. Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender yet sturdy crumb, perfectly holding the juicy strawberries.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are your leavening agents. Baking soda specifically reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk, creating air pockets for a light and airy texture, while baking powder provides additional lift, ensuring a beautiful rise.
- Ground Cinnamon: A hint of warm cinnamon adds a subtle depth of flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them. It’s a classic pairing that just works.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors in any baked good. Kosher or fine sea salt enhances the sweetness and prevents the bread from tasting flat.
- Large Eggs: Eggs contribute moisture, richness, and act as a binding agent, helping to hold the bread together and provide structure. Always use large eggs for consistent baking results.
- Granulated Sugar & Dark Brown Sugar: This combination is key for both flavor and texture. White granulated sugar provides crispness and sweetness, while dark brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-rich flavor and extra moisture, contributing to that coveted soft crumb. A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top creates a delightful crunchy crust.
- Buttermilk: The star ingredient for moisture and tenderness! Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture and imparts a wonderfully subtle tang that makes this bread so special.
- Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter contributes to a consistently moist crumb and helps the bread stay tender for longer. Canola oil works equally well.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a comforting, aromatic sweetness that is indispensable in baked goods.
- Fresh Strawberries: Truly the highlight! Fresh, ripe, and diced strawberries are absolutely crucial for the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen strawberries, as their excess water content can make the bread soggy. Adjust sugar levels if your berries are exceptionally sweet or tart.
- Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! Orange zest brightens the entire flavor profile, enhancing the natural sweetness of the strawberries and adding a delightful citrusy aroma that makes each bite more complex and inviting.
See the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities and precise instructions. Gathering all your ingredients and having them at room temperature before you begin will ensure the smoothest baking process and the best results!
How to Make This Delicious Strawberry Quick Bread
This strawberry bread recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for ease and convenience. You don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills. The process follows a classic quick bread technique: simply combine your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients, and finally, bring them together. It’s a simple, stress-free method that yields consistently delicious results!
In a medium-sized bowl, take your flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in your finished bread. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
In a separate, larger bowl, crack your eggs and lightly whisk them. Then, add the granulated sugars (white and brown), buttermilk, vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, and the fragrant orange zest. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and you no longer see any visible sugar lumps. Once smooth, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough bread.
Now, gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into your prepared batter. Be careful not to overmix here either; just fold until the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This delicate step helps prevent the berries from getting bruised and ensures they are nicely dispersed in the final loaf. Coating the strawberries lightly in flour beforehand is a great trick to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Pour the strawberry-studded batter evenly into your greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. For an added touch of sparkle and a delightful textural crunch, sprinkle the top of the batter generously with turbinado sugar. This coarse sugar not only looks beautiful but also creates a slightly caramelized, crusty top as the bread bakes. Place the loaf pan into your preheated 350℉ (175℃) oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully before slicing is essential for the best texture and prevents the loaf from crumbling.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full detailed directions and ingredient list are conveniently located in the recipe card below.
👩🍳 Expert Baking Tips for the Best Strawberry Bread
Achieving a perfect quick bread isn’t difficult, but a few expert tips can make all the difference in ensuring your strawberry buttermilk bread is exceptionally moist, fluffy, and full of flavor every time. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll be rewarded with a bakery-worthy loaf:
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a golden rule in baking! Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients don’t emulsify as well with others, leading to a less uniform batter and potentially a denser, less risen loaf. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a consistent batter that rises beautifully.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: Use a whisk to combine all your dry ingredients (flour, leavening agents, salt, cinnamon). This step is not just about mixing; it’s about aerating the flour and distributing the leavening evenly, preventing pockets of baking soda/powder and ensuring a consistent texture throughout the bread.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, rubbery bread instead of the desired tender, fluffy crumb. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
- Don’t Skip Prepping the Strawberries: Pat your diced strawberries thoroughly dry with a paper towel and then dredge them lightly in 1 tablespoon of flour. This seemingly small step is crucial! Excess moisture from the strawberries can make your bread soggy, and coating them in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking, ensuring they are evenly suspended throughout the loaf.
- Resist Opening the Oven Door: It’s tempting to peek, but avoid opening the oven door, especially during the first 30-40 minutes of baking. Sudden temperature drops can cause your bread to collapse or sink in the middle. Instead, rely on your oven light to check on its progress. Patience is a virtue in baking!
Delicious Substitutions & Creative Variations
While this fresh strawberry buttermilk bread recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with a few ingredients to perfectly tailor it to your personal taste, what you have on hand, or the season.
- Different Berries: Strawberries are wonderful, but you could easily swap them out for another summer berry. Raspberries or blackberries would both work beautifully, offering a slightly tarter flavor profile. You might consider a mixed berry bread for an extra burst of fruit!
- Citrus Zest: If you prefer a brighter, more tangy note, use lemon zest instead of orange zest. Lemon and strawberry are a classic pairing that always delivers. Lime zest could also offer an interesting tropical twist.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans along with the strawberries.
- Spice It Up: While cinnamon provides warmth, you can easily change the spice profile. Try adding a touch of cardamom for an exotic, fragrant note, or a pinch of ground ginger or coriander for a unique twist.
- Alternative Oils: If vegetable oil isn’t your preference, canola oil is a neutral-tasting alternative that will work just as well, maintaining the bread’s moistness. Melted unsalted butter can also be used, but might result in a slightly denser crumb.
- Buttermilk Alternatives: Buttermilk is highly recommended for its unique flavor and tenderizing qualities. However, if you don’t have it, you can use other acidic dairy products. Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, diluted with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency, are excellent substitutes. They both provide the acidity needed to react with the baking soda and contribute to a moist crumb.
Making a Buttermilk Substitute at Home: No buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own. Add 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of whole milk or 2% milk. Stir gently and let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes. The milk will curdle slightly and thicken, effectively creating ½ cup of homemade buttermilk, which is the exact amount needed for this delicious bread. This quick trick ensures you can still enjoy this recipe even when the fridge is bare!
Storage & Freezing Tips for Your Strawberry Loaf
One of the many great things about this strawberry buttermilk bread is how well it stores, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors for days or even months! Proper storage ensures your loaf remains moist and delicious.
This strawberry loaf will stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep it at its best, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out and maintains its tenderness. As the bread sits, especially the top crust, it will naturally become softer, but rest assured, the delicious flavor will not be compromised. For an extra measure to prevent any potential sogginess, particularly in humid conditions, you can place the bread in a sealed airtight container lined with a paper towel on the bottom and top to absorb any excess moisture.
For longer storage, this bread freezes beautifully. Once the loaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and finally place it in a freezer-safe bag. This triple-layer protection guards against freezer burn. You can store the bread in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or gently warm individual slices in a toaster oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Quick Bread
While it’s technically possible to use frozen strawberries, we highly recommend using fresh ones for the best results. Frozen strawberries tend to have less vibrant flavor and, more importantly, they release a significant amount of water when they thaw and bake. This excess moisture can make your bread heavy and mushy, compromising the desired light and tender texture. If you absolutely must use frozen, thaw them completely, drain them very well, and pat them extremely dry before adding them to the batter, and be prepared for a slightly different outcome.
Buttermilk plays a vital role in this recipe, contributing to both the unique tangy flavor and the wonderfully moist, tender crumb of the bread. It reacts with the baking soda to provide lift and softness. If you need a substitute, we recommend using sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, as they provide similar acidity and richness. You might need to thin them slightly with a splash of milk to match the consistency of buttermilk. Regular milk is not a direct substitute as it lacks the necessary acidity and fat content to achieve the same results.
Delightful Ways to Serve Your Strawberry Buttermilk Bread
This versatile fresh strawberry bread is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions:
- Classic & Simple: Enjoy a slice as is with your morning coffee or tea. Its natural sweetness and moist texture are truly satisfying.
- With a Spread: Toast a slice lightly and spread with cream cheese, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a thin layer of your favorite strawberry jam for an extra berry boost. Our Whipped Strawberry Basil Butter would be an incredible pairing!
- For Brunch: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a complete and festive brunch spread.
- Dessert Upgrade: Warm a slice, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream, and garnish with a few fresh strawberries for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a pretty presentation, dust the cooled loaf with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.
More Delicious Quick Breads & Strawberry Favorites
If you’ve fallen in love with this fresh strawberry buttermilk bread, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other quick bread recipes and delightful ways to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries. Here are some of my other favorite bakes that feature comforting flavors and seasonal ingredients:
- Whipped Strawberry Basil Butter
- Cranberry Gingerbread Loaf
- Strawberry Mini Pies with Rose Glaze
- Sour Cream Rhubarb Muffins
Did you make this delightful Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Bread recipe? I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your beautiful creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter. Your feedback and shares mean the world to me!
📖 Recipe
Fresh Strawberry Bread with Buttermilk
Prevent your screen from going dark
Pin Recipe
10
minutes
55
minutes
30
minutes
1
hour
35
minutes
Breakfast, Snack
American
8
335
kcal
Equipment
-
mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups
-
1 9×5 inch loaf pan
Ingredients
-
2
cups
all-purpose-flour, plus 1 tablespoon set aside for the strawberries -
¼
teaspoon
Kosher or fine sea salt -
2
teaspoon
baking powder -
¼
teaspoon
baking soda -
¼
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
2
large
eggs, room temperature -
½
cup
white granulated sugar -
¼
cup
dark brown sugar -
½
cup
buttermilk, room temperature
full or reduced fat -
½
cup
vegetable oil -
1½
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
zest of one orange
about 3-4 teaspoons -
1½
cups
diced fresh strawberries, (patted dry with a paper towel)
(¼-½ inch dice) -
1
tablespoon
turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw)
for topping, optional - baking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by thoroughly spraying it with baking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.baking spray for greasing the pan
-
In a medium bowl, combine and whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, Kosher or fine sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.2 cups all-purpose-flour, plus 1 tablespoon set aside for the strawberries,
¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt,
2 teaspoon baking powder,
¼ teaspoon baking soda,
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon -
In a separate, larger medium bowl, lightly whisk the large eggs to break them up. Then, add the white granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, room temperature buttermilk, vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, and the orange zest. Whisk these wet ingredients vigorously until everything is well combined and no sugar lumps are visible. Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable.2 large eggs, room temperature,
½ cup white granulated sugar,
¼ cup dark brown sugar,
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature,
½ cup vegetable oil,
1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract,
zest of one orange -
In a small bowl, toss the diced fresh strawberries (ensuring they are patted very dry) with the one remaining tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This step is crucial for preventing the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of your loaf during baking. Gently fold the flour-coated strawberries into the batter until they are just evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter generously with turbinado sugar for a beautiful crunch. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the loaf to set before you carefully remove it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling fully ensures the best texture and prevents crumbling.1½ cups diced fresh strawberries, (patted dry with a paper towel),
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw)
Notes
- Room Temperature is Key: Always ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes better emulsification of ingredients, which is crucial for achieving a consistently smooth batter and a perfectly risen, tender loaf.
- Patience for Perfect Slices: It’s tempting to cut into this delicious bread immediately, but allowing the loaf to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing is essential. This helps the crumb set and prevents it from crumbling, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
- Pan Size Matters: The recipe is designed for a standard 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. If you opt to use an 8-by-4-inch pan, please note that the batter will be thicker, and you will need to increase the baking time by approximately 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it!
- Optimal Storage: To keep your strawberry loaf fresh and moist, store it at room temperature, tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will remain delicious for up to 5 days. You can also place it in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom and top to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Freezing for Later: This bread freezes exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition*
Serving:
1
slice
Calories:
335
kcal
Carbohydrates:
44.6
g
Protein:
5.3
g
Fat:
15.3
g
Saturated Fat:
3.2
g
Cholesterol:
47
mg
Sodium:
149
mg
Potassium:
209
mg
Fiber:
0.9
g
Sugar:
19
g
Calcium:
89
mg
Iron:
2
mg
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
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