Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the luscious taste of berries with rich chocolate, this Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a moist and tender quick bread that bursts with juicy strawberries and melts-in-your-mouth semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re starting your day with a cozy breakfast or surprising your guests at brunch, this loaf offers a perfect balance of fruity freshness and chocolate indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making a memorable Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe. Each component plays an important role in creating the bread’s tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and juicy strawberry pops throughout.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the bread.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor without too much sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Keeps the bread moist and adds a silky texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, fragrant note to the batter.
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
- ¼ cup milk: Ensures the batter stays smooth and easy to mix.
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy bursts that brighten every bite.
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the bread.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread releases easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart, making the final presentation flawless.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination provides the essential structure and the perfect hint of chocolate flavor that makes this bread stand out.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving the bread a tender and airy crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream (or yogurt), and milk until everything is combined smoothly. These ingredients add moisture and depth to the batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Tossing the strawberries with a little bit of flour beforehand can prevent them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring they stay evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A perfectly baked Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe will have a moist crumb yet hold its shape beautifully.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess from trapped steam and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate the flavors of the bread, enhancing its moist texture and complementing the strawberry and chocolate notes. For an extra touch of indulgence, try a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a dollop of yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream when served as dessert. A hot cup of coffee or tea rounds out the experience perfectly for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe into thick slabs and toasting them lightly before serving. You can also create mini sandwich stacks with cream cheese and sliced strawberries between two slices of bread for an impressive treat at brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it soft and fresh without drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended, but keep the bread tightly wrapped to prevent moisture loss.
Freezing
The Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its amazing texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread after refrigeration or freezing, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warm. This revives the soft crumb and melts any chocolate chips, making it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if drained well and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect the bread’s consistency.
Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream and a suitable milk alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or taste.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate chips or chunks add a richer depth, while milk chocolate chips will make the bread sweeter. White chocolate is also an option for a different flavor dimension.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking?
Tossing the chopped strawberries in a tablespoon or two of flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay suspended, reducing sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can adapt the recipe. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe is truly a joy to bake and share with loved ones. It’s one of those comforting yet exciting recipes that brings smiles at breakfast or dessert time. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!
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Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Strawberry Bread is a rich, moist quick bread packed with juicy strawberries and decadent chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make loaf combines fruity sweetness with chocolatey indulgence in every bite. Serve warm with a pat of butter or enjoy it on its own as a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender bread texture.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream (or plain yogurt), and milk until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to create an even surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set for easier slicing.
Notes
- Toss strawberries with a little flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
