Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

This Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing breakfast option, a tasty snack, or a unique dessert, this quick bread will impress your family and friends. The juicy summer strawberries combined with tangy lemon create a vibrant flavor profile that brightens up your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This quick bread comes together in just about 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert paired with whipped cream.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon juice ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 10 generous slices, this recipe is great for sharing at parties, picnics, or brunch.
• Seasonal Appeal: Utilizing fresh summer strawberries makes this bread a seasonal favorite that highlights the best of summer produce.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment makes the process efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Loaf pan (9”x5”)
• Nonstick baking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
• Loaf pan: The right size ensures even baking for your quick bread.
• Wire rack: Allows proper cooling to maintain the bread’s texture and flavor.

Ingredients

This Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread is a delicious combination of sweet and tart – it’s a great way to bake with juicy summer strawberries!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1½ cups diced fresh strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your quick bread bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Spray a 9”x5” loaf pan with nonstick baking spray; set it aside to prepare for pouring in your batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the following:
1. Flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Sour cream
3. Milk
4. Eggs
5. Lemon juice
6. Lemon zest
7. Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan

Carefully transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for about 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, place your loaf pan on a wire rack and let it cool before removing the bread from the pan.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some creative ideas to enhance your experience.

With a Glaze

• A simple lemon glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and tang. Just mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Toasted with Butter

• Slices of this bread are perfect when toasted and spread with a bit of butter. The warm butter melts into the bread, enhancing its flavors.

Served with Fresh Berries

• Pairing your quick bread with fresh strawberries or other berries adds freshness. It’s a great way to complement the fruity notes of the bread.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Include slices of this quick bread in your breakfast spread alongside eggs and yogurt for a balanced meal. It brings a lovely flavor contrast to savory dishes.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with homemade whipped cream for a light dessert option. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemonade flavor.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy this quick bread with your favorite tea or coffee. The citrus notes work wonders against the warmth of your beverage.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

To ensure your Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature helps achieve better mixing and a smoother batter.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups without packing it down to avoid dense bread. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.

• Don’t Overmix: Stir until ingredients are just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bread. A few lumps are okay!

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary in temperature, so check your bread 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

When enjoying Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious boost alongside your quick bread.

2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and enhances the refreshing flavors of the quick bread.

3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the quick bread nicely.

4. Cottage Cheese – Serve cottage cheese on the side for a hearty dose of protein that matches well with the fruitiness.

5. Smoothie Bowl – Blend up a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added texture that pairs wonderfully with sweet breads.

6. Avocado Toast – The creaminess of avocado on whole-grain toast offers a savory contrast to the sweet quick bread.

7. Chia Seed Pudding – A light chia seed pudding adds healthy fats and fiber while being easy to prepare ahead of time.

8. Herb Salad – A light salad made with mixed greens and herbs provides freshness that complements the rich flavors in each bite of quick bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause the batter to clump. Let them sit at room temperature before use.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense bread. Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture.
• Not testing for doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to check if the bread is fully baked.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing the bread too soon can cause it to crumble. Let it cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Container: Place in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Container: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, then wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Slice and heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread that may help you with your baking experience.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when my Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread is done?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with only a few crumbs attached.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream in your quick bread.

How can I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits like blueberries to enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Lemonade Quick Bread is not just delicious; it offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that make it perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, this quick bread is versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or citrus zest to create your unique version!