A moist and flavorful loaf cake with a vibrant strawberry swirl, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake Batter:
- 221 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 21 teaspoon baking soda
- 21 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 121 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup (about 150g) fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a tablespoon of water.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the strawberry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. If desired add a few drops of red food coloring.
- Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the strawberry swirl over the batter, creating a ribbon effect.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the strawberry swirl.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry mixture throughout the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your delicious Strawberry Swirl Loaf. Enjoy!