This delightful strawberry shortcake loaf recipe brings together the sweet and juicy flavor of strawberries with the soft and moist texture of a freshly baked loaf. The perfect treat for dessert or a tea-time snack, it's a recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples, you may need to purchase coarse sanding sugar. This is a large crystal sugar used mainly for decoration, giving the loaf a beautiful sparkling finish. You can find it in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Ingredients
Strawberries: The main star of this recipe, giving the loaf a fresh and fruity flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavors.
Large eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds structure to the loaf.
Whole milk: Adds extra moisture, making the loaf soft and tender.
Flour: The primary dry ingredient, providing structure to the loaf.
Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Coarse sanding sugar: Gives a sparkling finish to the loaf.
One reader, Consuela Close says:
This strawberry shortcake loaf recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh strawberries and moist, buttery cake is simply divine. The loaf is easy to make and turns out beautifully every time. It's the perfect treat for any occasion. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Essential Techniques for Making Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
How to prepare the loaf pan: Grease the loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
How to cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
How to fold in strawberries: Gently incorporate the strawberries into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix to avoid crushing the berries.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the loaf is done. If not, continue baking and retest after a few minutes.
How to cool the loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
This strawberry shortcake loaf is a vanilla pound cake that’s loaded with fresh strawberries to make the perfect summer dessert.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsstrawberries,sliced and dried well
- 12tbspunsalted butter,softened
- 1cupsugar
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- 4largeeggs
- ¼cupwhole milk
- 2cupsflour
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 2tbspcoarse sanding sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and flour and butter an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
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To a stand mixer add the butter and sugar on high speed and beat for about 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
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On medium speed add in the vanilla and the eggs one at a time, then the milk until fully combined.
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Add in the flour, baking powder and salt until just combined.
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Gently fold in the strawberries then pour batter into the loaf pan.
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Sprinkle with sanding sugar and bake for 60 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 288.57kcal
- Fat: 13.55g
- Saturated Fat: 7.95g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.89g
- Carbohydrates: 37.19g
- Fiber: 1.07g
- Sugar: 20.47g
- Protein: 4.70g
- Cholesterol: 93.04mg
- Sodium: 107.07mg
- Calcium: 54.23mg
- Potassium: 96.18mg
- Iron: 0.70mg
- Vitamin A: 126.39µg
- Vitamin C: 14.90mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
When incorporating the strawberries into the batter, be sure to fold them in gently. This will help to keep the berries intact and evenly distributed throughout the loaf, ensuring a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. Overmixing can lead to the berries breaking down and turning the batter a pinkish hue, which might not be the desired outcome. Also, using fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and texture to your strawberry shortcake loaf.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the strawberries and measure out the dry ingredients the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Instead of hand-chopping the strawberries, use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop them for the loaf.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting the recipe to speed up the mixing process.
Convection setting: If your oven has a convection setting, use it to bake the loaf more quickly and evenly.
Multi-task: While the loaf is baking, clean up the kitchen or prepare other dishes to make the most of your time.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Recipe
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, making them a great substitute in this recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to butter, and it adds a hint of coconut flavor to the loaf.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the loaf while also imparting a subtle floral flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can add a nutty and fragrant flavor to the loaf, complementing the other ingredients.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the loaf, similar to eggs.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture to the loaf, enhancing its flavor.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can add a nutty flavor and a denser texture to the loaf, making it a suitable gluten-free alternative.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can help the loaf rise and create a light and fluffy texture, similar to baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can enhance the overall flavor of the loaf and provide a subtle crunch with its larger crystals.
coarse sanding sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can provide a similar sweetness and slight crunch to the top of the loaf.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
Elevate the loaf with a strawberry glaze: Create a glossy strawberry glaze by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until thickened. Drizzle the glaze over the loaf for a vibrant and luscious finish.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Adorn the loaf with fresh strawberries to add a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor. Slice the strawberries and arrange them artistically on top of the loaf for an elegant touch.
Accompany with whipped cream: Serve the strawberry shortcake loaf with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The creamy and airy texture of the whipped cream complements the richness of the loaf, offering a delightful contrast.
Sprinkle with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by sprinkling the loaf with delicate and colorful edible flowers. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a subtle floral note to the dessert.
Serve on a bed of vanilla custard: Create a luxurious presentation by serving slices of the loaf on a luscious bed of vanilla custard. The creamy custard provides a velvety base for the loaf, elevating the overall indulgence of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making a Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a versatile tool that can be used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It comes with various attachments for different tasks, making it a convenient choice for baking and cooking.
- Loaf pan: A loaf pan is a rectangular-shaped baking pan used for making bread, cakes, and other baked goods in a loaf shape. It is typically made of metal or silicone and comes in various sizes.
- Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients. It is essential for folding in the strawberries into the batter and spreading the batter in the loaf pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring ingredients such as flour, sugar, and milk. They ensure precision in baking and cooking, leading to consistent and delicious results.
- Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting. It provides the necessary heat for baking the strawberry shortcake loaf to perfection.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack is a metal or wire rack used to cool baked goods. It allows air to circulate around the strawberry shortcake loaf, preventing it from becoming soggy as it cools.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
Let the strawberry shortcake loaf cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the loaf soggy.
To store the loaf at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the wrapped loaf for up to 1 week. The refrigerator will dry out the loaf slightly, so it's best to consume it within a few days.
To freeze the strawberry shortcake loaf, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, remove the loaf from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, you can refresh the loaf by warming it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
If you plan to freeze individual slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily remove and thaw only the number of slices you need.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the strawberry shortcake loaf once it has been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
To reheat leftover strawberry shortcake loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the loaf from drying out.
Another option is to use a microwave. Slice the leftover loaf into individual portions and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat each slice for about 20-30 seconds, or until it's warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat, as the microwave can quickly dry out the cake.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the slices in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and toast the slices for 3-5 minutes, or until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and moisture, try brushing the slices with a mixture of melted butter and honey before reheating. This will give the strawberry shortcake loaf a delightful glaze and enhance its overall taste.
For a quick and easy option, you can also enjoy the leftover loaf at room temperature. Simply let the slices sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This method works well if you prefer a softer texture and don't mind the loaf being slightly cool.
Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
Strawberry shortcake loaf is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. It combines the flavors of fresh strawberries and buttery cake in a convenient loaf form, making it perfect for slicing and serving.
Is Making Strawberry Shortcake Loaf at Home Cost-Effective?
This strawberry shortcake loaf recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as strawberries, butter, sugar, and flour, are commonly found in most kitchens. The loaf can serve a family of four and the approximate cost for the entire recipe is around $10. With a delightful taste and simple preparation, this recipe earns a solid 9/10 rating for its affordability and deliciousness.
Is This Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Healthy or Unhealthy?
The strawberry shortcake loaf recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high sugar and fat content. The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and sugar, which contribute to the loaf's rich flavor but also add a considerable number of calories. Additionally, the use of whole milk and four large eggs further increases the fat content. The recipe does incorporate fresh strawberries, which offer some nutritional benefits, but the overall balance of ingredients tilts the scales towards an indulgent treat rather than a healthy snack.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising its delightful taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup and replace it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to cut down on saturated fat while maintaining moisture
- Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of strawberries to 2 1/2 or 3 cups for a more pronounced fruit flavor and added fiber
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Loaf
This strawberry shortcake loaf recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries and buttery loaf creates a moist and flavorful treat. The incorporation of coarse sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch to the top. However, to enhance the overall texture and flavor, consider macerating the strawberries with a touch of sugar to release their juices and intensify their sweetness. Additionally, adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter can elevate the citrusy notes and complement the strawberries. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Enhance Your Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with fresh strawberries and a rich, buttery texture. The use of unsalted butter and whole milk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the addition of vanilla extract enhances the aromatic profile. The incorporation of sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch to the loaf's crust. With a careful balance of flavors and textures, this recipe promises a delectable strawberry shortcake loaf that will surely impress your taste buds.
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