Ah, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite treats to whip up in the kitchen: the delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf. As the name suggests, this delicious loaf merges the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the sweet, vibrant flavor of strawberries, creating a dessert that reminds me of sunny picnics in the park. I remember the first time I made this for a small gathering; my friends and I were lounging outside, and when I pulled this beauty out of the oven, it was like the sun shone a little brighter. Each slice just beckons you to take another bite!
This recipe is more than just a delicious loaf; it’s a way to celebrate fresh strawberries whenever they’re in season. Not to mention, it makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a cozy afternoon snack with your coffee, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a real winner!
What’s in Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf?
– Cream Cheese: For that rich and creamy base, I always choose full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor. It adds a delightful tanginess.
– Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this is key for creating that smooth batter. Unsalted is my go-to to control the saltiness.
– Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the loaf perfectly and balances out the tang from the cream cheese.
– Eggs: Large eggs are essential here, helping to bind the ingredients together and adding moisture.
– Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
– All-Purpose Flour: Our main dry ingredient, it provides structure.
– Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents are what give our loaf that fluffy lift!
– Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
– Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh, juicy strawberries that add a burst of flavor and fun color.
– Additional Flour: Tossing the strawberries in a bit of flour helps them stay suspended in the batter, rather than sinking down when baking.
Is Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Good for You?
Let’s be real, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf isn’t a health food by any stretch, but it does have some redeeming qualities!
Cream Cheese: While it adds a rich flavor, it also provides calcium and vitamin A. Moderation is key, though!
Fresh Strawberries: These little gems are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They add a natural sweetness and infusion of flavor—definitely a bonus!
However, keep in mind that this loaf does come with sugar and butter, so if you’re looking at it from a health perspective, it can be enjoyed in moderation. It’s perfect for an occasional treat or for special celebrations!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting the strawberries)
*Serves: 8-10 slices*
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Don’t skip this step—nobody likes a loaf that won’t come out of the pan!
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This might take a couple of minutes, so don’t rush it!
3. Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined. A lovely creamy blend with no lumps is what we want.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow that up with the vanilla extract. Ah, that smell!
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumpy batter is just fine!
7. In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking in the loaf). It seems odd, but trust me, it works wonders!
8. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
There you have it! A gorgeous Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf just waiting to be enjoyed.
Slice of Heaven: Tips and Variations!
– If you want to add a bit more berry goodness, consider adding raspberries or blueberries to the mix for a delightful berry medley.
– You can also experiment with different extracts; almond extract can give it a unique twist!
– Serve it warm or at room temperature, paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also delightful with whipped cream on top for a dessert treat!
I can’t wait for you all to try this recipe. It’s one of those that fills your heart as much as it fills your tummy! Let me know how your baking adventure goes, and if you come up with any tasty new twists, I’d love to hear about them! Happy baking!
