As we enter berry season, my thoughts turn to how many ways I can use them in baking. With this recipe, strawberries are the star in a quick bread flavored with brown sugar and oats. A bit of sweet cream cheese swirl gives an extra little flavor punch. Makes 1 9”x 5” loaf
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
6 ounces strawberries, chopped
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Recipe
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix well. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in strawberries.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Add to bread mixture, stirring only 4-5 turns until streaked with cream cheese mixture.
Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack before slicing.