If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly combines the rich, comforting flavor of chocolate with the fresh, juicy burst of strawberries, look no further. This Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe is an absolute delight that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Imagine biting into a moist, tender loaf packed with luscious chopped strawberries and melty mini chocolate chips, delivering a heavenly balance of fruity sweetness and chocolate indulgence in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe. From the cocoa powder that gives it deep chocolate intensity to the fresh strawberries adding moisture and natural sweetness, everything comes together beautifully.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the bread’s crumb.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and contributes to a tender crumb.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give richness.
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tang.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures the bread stays soft and fresh longer.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (diced): Bursts of fresh, juicy sweetness in every bite.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional): Melted pockets of chocolate create irresistible richness.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread comes out easily without sticking. This set-up step is essential to achieve that perfect loaf shape and effortless release after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients evenly will guarantee a consistent texture and a balanced rise in your Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. You’ll want this mixture to be smooth and well combined, as this creates the base that holds everything together and lends moisture and richness.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly okay. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so patience here will reward you with a tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries and mini chocolate chips. This step needs a light touch so you don’t break down the strawberries, which can release too much moisture. The bits of fruit and melty chocolate throughout the batter are what make this bread truly special.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top to create a slightly crunchy chocolate topping as the loaf bakes. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top creates a stunning contrast. Fresh strawberry slices arranged on the side bring extra freshness and visual appeal, making your Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe truly eye-catching.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For a more breakfast-style treat, spread a little cream cheese or hazelnut spread alongside. A hot cup of coffee or tea will also complement the rich chocolate and sweet strawberry flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving slices of this bread alongside a berry compote or fresh fruit salad makes for a delightful brunch centerpiece. You can also cut it into cubes and serve it as part of a dessert fondue platter with warm chocolate or caramel dips—a fun way to enjoy the flavors in bite-sized forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread moist and fresh for several days, and the flavors actually meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices lightly in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast them to bring back that freshly baked feel. The chocolate chips will melt slightly again, making each warm bite just as wonderful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Too much moisture can make the bread dense or soggy, so pat them dry before folding into the batter.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, they work together to create the perfect rise. Baking soda reacts with the acidic yogurt or sour cream, while baking powder provides additional lift, ensuring a light and fluffy bread.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can swap oil for melted butter, but keep in mind butter will add a richer flavor and might change the bread’s texture slightly. Oil keeps the bread extra moist, which complements the chocolate and strawberries well.
How ripe should my strawberries be?
Use strawberries that are ripe and firm rather than overripe or mushy. Firm berries hold their shape during baking, so you get nice bursts of fruit instead of them melting completely into the bread.
Will mini chocolate chips melt completely in the bread?
Mini chocolate chips soften and melt partially, creating gooey pockets inside the bread. Because they are small, they blend beautifully without creating large chocolate blobs, giving a uniform chocolate experience in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe is a true celebration of classic fruit and chocolate flavors baked into a comforting loaf. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll come back to time and time again. Don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy this delightful twist on traditional quick bread!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread combining rich cocoa and sweet fresh strawberries. Perfect for dessert or a snack, the bread is studded with chocolate chips and offers a delightful balance of fruity freshness and chocolaty indulgence. Made with simple pantry staples and baked until perfectly tender, it’s an easy-to-make treat that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries and mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top if desired for extra chocolaty goodness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are well patted dry before folding in to avoid excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones—just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before use.
- This bread keeps best when stored in the refrigerator and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.
