There’s something about a homemade loaf that just feels like a warm hug. And when you combine juicy strawberries with rich, creamy cheese? Oh, trust me, you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this one is guaranteed to be a staple in your kitchen. So, let’s get baking and bring some sweetness into your day!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp (5g) baking powder; ½ tsp (3g) salt; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (120ml) milk; 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract; 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, chopped; 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, hosting a brunch with friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this loaf fits every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast, a light dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without the hefty price tag.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, no fancy equipment—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Customizable: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of your favorite fruits for a new twist each time.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Here’s the magic of this loaf—it’s made with a handful of simple ingredients, but the result is a soft, flavorful delight. Let’s break it down:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the loaf, giving it structure while keeping it light and fluffy.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The secret to a perfect rise, ensuring a tender and airy crumb.

Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture, creating that irresistible soft texture.

Sugar: Just the right amount to make this loaf sweet but not overpowering.

Eggs: Help bind everything together while contributing to the moistness of the loaf.

Vanilla Extract: A hint of warmth and depth that elevates the flavors.

Milk: Ensures a smooth batter and enhances the moist texture.

Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, slightly tart, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that adds a luscious, creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a beautifully golden loaf.

Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, tender loaf.

Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and milk. Stir until well combined.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. If you’d like an extra touch of sweetness, mix in a little sugar.

Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan, then spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, smoothing it out evenly.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Before Serving: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8

Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

With Coffee or Tea: A warm slice with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
With a Side of Fresh Berries: Serve with extra strawberries or mixed berries for a refreshing touch.
Toasted with Butter: Lightly toast a slice and spread with butter for an extra layer of richness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter—it can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light, fluffy one.
For an extra twist, add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freeze slices individually for a quick, delicious snack anytime!

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

Can I substitute the cream cheese? You can try Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.

Why is my loaf dense? Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to a dense texture. Be gentle when mixing.

Can I make this into muffins? Yes! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes for muffins.

Can I add nuts to the batter? Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.

How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze this loaf? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, but keep in mind it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.

What can I serve this with? It pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, fresh berries, or a light glaze drizzle.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite homemade treat! This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is simple, delicious, and the perfect way to bring a little sweetness into your day. Whether you enjoy it warm, toasted, or chilled, each bite is pure bliss. Give it a try, and trust me, you’re going to love it!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Category: Dessert/Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This moist and tender loaf is swirled with a creamy cheesecake filling and studded with fresh strawberries. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the strawberries.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth.
Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before slicing.