Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf: A Sweet and Velvety Delight

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf: A Sweet and Velvety Delight 🍓

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about the smell of a homemade loaf cake wafting from your kitchen. The Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is a masterpiece of texture and flavor—moist, rich, buttery, and filled with fresh strawberry chunks that burst with natural sweetness in every bite.

It’s a treat that walks the line between dessert and breakfast, equally at home on a brunch table or served with a cup of afternoon tea. This elegant yet easy-to-make loaf is a must-bake recipe for strawberry lovers and anyone who appreciates a soft, velvety crumb.

Why This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Stands Out

What makes this loaf exceptional is the cream cheese in the batter, which not only adds a subtle tang but also guarantees a dense, moist texture that keeps beautifully for days. Paired with the natural sweetness and tartness of strawberries, it’s a match made in baking heaven.

Whether you’re baking for guests or simply treating yourself, this loaf offers:

  • A soft, moist crumb
  • Bursts of real strawberry flavor
  • A perfect balance of sweet and tangy
  • Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
  • A visually stunning, gift-worthy result

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ÂĽ tsp salt
  • â…“ cup (80ml) milk
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped and patted dry
  • 1 tbsp flour, for coating the strawberries

Note: Drying and lightly flouring the strawberries prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat again until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries

  • Toss the chopped strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.
  • Gently fold the strawberries into the batter using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Slice and enjoy plain, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf is a star on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
  • Pair with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk.
  • Top slices with fresh strawberries or a smear of strawberry jam for extra indulgence.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator

  • Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

Freezing

  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Loaf

  • Soften your butter and cream cheese for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
  • Use fresh strawberries, not frozen, for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix once the flour is added—this keeps your loaf tender.
  • Test for doneness with a toothpick—moist crumbs are okay, but there should be no wet batter.

Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are a few creative variations:

🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Loaf

Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet chocolatey twist.

🍋 Lemon Strawberry Loaf

Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice for a bright citrus note.

🌿 Herb-Infused

Add a few chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing flavor profile.

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Final Thoughts: A Loaf You’ll Bake Again and Again

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting, elegant bake that brings joy with every bite. Moist, flavorful, and bursting with strawberry goodness, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends, bring to brunch, or simply enjoy with a quiet cup of coffee.

It’s simple, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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