Strawberry Swirl Loaf

Loaf cakes have to be one of my favorite things to bake because they are just so darn easy. From the classic banana bread to the lemon loaves and beyond, these are my kind of treats. You can get away with eating them for breakfast or brunch, an afternoon snack, or a classy dessert. Basically, enjoy a slice any time you like! This Strawberry Swirl Loaf uses kitchen staples to create a stunning treat that I know you’re going to love.

The batter is comprised of all the usual suspects like flour, sugar, and eggs. We’ve sprinkled in a little cinnamon that compliments the sweet berries beautifully. You will want to use fresh berries for this recipe as a frozen berry won’t hold up in the same way. Then for the topping! A generous amount of sweet strawberry jam is spooned on top and swirled into the batter. The results are absolutely stunning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Swirl Loaf is a delightful combination of simplicity and elegance. It’s perfect for any time of the day, whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast or looking to impress guests with a homemade dessert. The freshness of the strawberries paired with the sweet jam swirl makes each bite a taste of summer.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 large loaf pan or 2 smaller loaf pans
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Spatula
• Knife or skewer for swirling
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons flour, for berries
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups sugar
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease 1 large loaf pan or 2 smaller loaf pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Place the diced strawberries in a small bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of flour, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, oil, and eggs, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients.
4. Gently fold in the strawberries until evenly combined.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans, then spoon the strawberry jam on top. Use a knife to swirl the jam into the batter.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes for two smaller loaves or 55-65 minutes for a larger loaf. Tent the loaves with foil for the last 15-20 minutes if they begin to brown on top.
7. Allow the loaves to cool before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your strawberries are fresh and firm to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to avoid a tough loaf.
• If the top of your loaf browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Additional Tips and Variations

Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. For a tangy twist, substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries. Alternatively, use a mixed berry jam instead of strawberry for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: Approx. 300
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen strawberries? It’s best to use fresh strawberries as frozen ones can make the batter too wet.
How do I store the loaf? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze the Strawberry Swirl Loaf? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Swirl Loaf is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, easy-to-make treat. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all to yourself. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Happy baking!