Savor the taste of summer with this moist strawberry loaf cake, topped with a fresh strawberry glaze for an extra burst of berry flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- ⅓ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Cake Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and milk until well-blended.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gently fold into the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries carefully to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. You can sprinkle some additional strawberry pieces on top for decoration.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so start checking around 50 minutes.
- Glaze Preparation:
- While the cake cools, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency. Adjust with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes:
- Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so ensure your egg and milk aren't straight from the fridge.
- To avoid a soggy glaze, let the loaf cool entirely before topping.
- Keep the oven door closed while baking to prevent the cake from sinking in the middle.
- Freshness counts! Verify that your baking powder is active for a good rise.
- For precise measuring, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off—no scooping!
This strawberry loaf cake is perfect as a light dessert, a sweet addition to a brunch spread, or simply as a delightful snack. Its tender crumb and fruity sweetness make it a hit for all occasions.
