This Strawberry Swirl Loaf is a soft, buttery cake bursting with fresh strawberries and ribbons of sweet jam swirled throughout. It’s a stunning bake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious — perfect for spring mornings, brunches, or afternoon coffee breaks. Each slice delivers a tender crumb, juicy berries, and a gorgeous marbled top.
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is for:
- Home bakers who love simple, fruity loaves.
- Strawberry lovers craving a sweet, fresh-baked treat.
- Anyone looking for a bakery-style bread that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Packed with real strawberries — no artificial flavoring.
✅ Easy to make with just one bowl and a swirl of jam.
✅ Freezes beautifully and stays moist for days.
✅ Great for gifting or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons flour (for coating berries)
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups sugar
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 1 large loaf pan or 2 smaller ones.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Prepare berries: Toss diced strawberries in 2 tablespoons of flour and set aside.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Add strawberries: Gently fold in the floured berries.
- Fill pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared loaf pans.
- Add swirl: Spoon strawberry jam or preserves over the top and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter.
- Bake:
- For 2 smaller loaves: Bake 40–50 minutes.
- For 1 large loaf: Bake 55–65 minutes.
Tent with foil for the last 15–20 minutes if the top begins to brown too quickly.
- Cool: Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days; reheat slices slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic and foil to retain freshness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Can I substitute the jam flavor?
Absolutely! Try raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry preserves for variety.
Why coat the strawberries with flour?
It helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Swirl Loaf is a showstopping quick bread that’s equal parts elegant and comforting. With its bright berry flavor and swirl of jam, it’s perfect for any occasion — from brunches to bake sales or cozy weekends at home.
