If you’re after a show-stopping treat that feels as cozy as Sunday morning and fresh as a spring picnic, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf is truly a slice of happiness. Tender, buttery crumb envelops tangy cream cheese and pockets of juicy strawberries, creating a loaf that’s just as welcome with coffee as it is dressed up for dessert. Whether you serve it for brunch, take it to a potluck, or bake it just because, the dreamy flavors and pretty pink bursts make this loaf a definite keeper.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward yet magical the ingredient list is for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf. Each component works in harmony, from the richness of cream cheese to the natural sweetness of fresh berries, forming a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers a slight tang and ultra-moist texture, making this loaf irresistible.
Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the batter and balances the strawberries’ tartness.
Large Eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the loaf.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups + 1 tablespoon): The backbone of the loaf, helping all those juicy berries stay suspended in every bite.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Lifts the loaf so it bakes up light and fluffy, not dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the best in every ingredient.
Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture for a tender, easily sliceable loaf.
Fresh Strawberries (1 1/2 cups, diced): The star of the show—use perfectly ripe berries for the best flavor and color.
Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): A pretty dusting just before serving adds a sweet finishing touch.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Treat your 9×5-inch loaf pan to a generous layer of butter and a sprinkle of flour, or line it with parchment if you prefer minimal cleanup. This helps ensure your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf releases perfectly every time.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms from grainy to pale, fluffy, and cloudlike. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t be shy about mixing for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in one egg at a time, mixing well between each addition. The batter should become luscious and smooth. Pour in the vanilla extract and let the aroma fill your kitchen—you’re building layers of flavor with each stir.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend will keep your loaf evenly risen and not too heavy, balancing out all the creamy, rich additions.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Always start and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently and just until combined; overmixing can make your loaf tough rather than tender.

Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Strawberries

Toss your diced strawberries with one tablespoon of flour—this clever trick keeps them from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold strawberries into the batter, being careful not to crush the fruit but ensuring even distribution for bites of berry goodness throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired, for a sparkling, bakery-worthy finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf

Garnishes

A gentle sprinkle of powdered sugar brings a snowy elegance, but you can also add a few extra diced strawberries or mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts, especially for those special brunches when you want your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf to steal the show.

Side Dishes

Pair a generous slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or fruity iced tea. For a brunch spread, it works beautifully with a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of tangy yogurt, or even a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf into individual tea sandwiches by cutting slices into halves or quarters and topping with a thin schmear of sweetened cream cheese and sliced strawberries. For an indulgent dessert, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra wow-factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your loaf moist and flavorful by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, or you want to stretch the freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf freezes surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. A quick zap brings out the cream cheese richness and makes those strawberry bits extra juicy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw frozen strawberries completely and pat them very dry before tossing them with flour and adding to the batter. This helps prevent excess moisture that could make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf soggy.

What’s the secret to a moist loaf every time?

The combination of cream cheese and whole milk is key to keeping the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf moist. Be sure not to overbake—start checking at the 55-minute mark and pull it out as soon as a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I add lemon zest or other flavors?

Absolutely! A bit of lemon zest in the batter can brighten up the flavors, while a handful of white chocolate chips introduces a touch of decadence. Have fun and let the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf become your own signature treat.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this loaf?

You can swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture; the loaf should still be soft and tender after baking.

How do I keep my strawberries from sinking?

Coating diced strawberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps distribute them evenly. This simple step ensures you get beautiful berry pockets in every slice of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as joyful to bake as it is to share, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf truly fits the bill. Every bite is a sunny surprise of creamy, berry-kissed flavor. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent fixture in your baking rotation—give it a try and let it bring a little extra brightness to your table!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese in this moist and flavorful Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf. Perfect for a sweet treat or a light dessert, this easy-to-make loaf is sure to please your taste buds!

Ingredients

Scale

Loaf:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating strawberries)

Optional Dusting:

2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Add strawberries: Toss diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat, then gently fold them into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Ensure strawberries are well-drained and dried to prevent excess moisture.
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter.
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American