Name: Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (weighed in grams for best results); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder; 2 tablespoons hot water; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup Lifeway Organic Strawberry Whole Milk Kefir (room temperature); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 69 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, eye-catching treat that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and moist, tender crumb, look no further than this Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe. This cake combines the rich warmth of a classic loaf with vibrant swirls of strawberry goodness throughout, creating a stunning visual and an irresistible taste. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s a recipe that never fails to bring smiles around the table and makes you want to bake it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, smooth, dark red sauce that looks rich and glossy. The sauce forms one even layer inside the bowl. A woman's hand holds a silver whisk in the center, partially covered with the sauce. The scene is simple, focusing on the vibrant color and texture of the sauce in the clear bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe plays an essential role, from the structure-giving flour to the fresh zing of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Simple, pantry-friendly items come together to create a cake that’s as flavorful as it is visually inviting.

2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb when measured accurately.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the strawberry tartness perfectly without overpowering.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cake from tasting flat.
6 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder: This packs a concentrated, natural strawberry flavor and vibrant color into the batter.
2 tablespoons hot water: Used to bloom the strawberry powder, unlocking its full flavor potential.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Essential for binding ingredients and adding richness.
1 cup Lifeway Organic Strawberry Whole Milk Kefir (room temperature): Offers a slight tang and moistness that makes the cake tender.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf wonderfully moist and soft.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds sweet warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy release later, then line it with parchment paper for the perfect non-stick surface. This step sets you up for a clean and beautiful loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mix forms the base for your cake batter, ensuring that every bite has that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Step 3: Activate the Strawberry Flavor

In a small or medium bowl, combine the freeze-dried strawberry powder with the hot water. Stir this until the powder dissolves and forms a vibrant, flavorful strawberry mixture that will infuse one half of your cake batter.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, strawberry kefir, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. These wet components add moisture and richness, allowing the cake to stay soft and tender.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Components

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to overmix—you want to maintain a light texture while fully incorporating all ingredients.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Remove half of the batter and transfer it to the strawberry mixture bowl. Fold it together until the batter is smooth and turns a lovely pink hue, filled with that fresh strawberry flavor.

Step 7: Create the Swirls

Alternately spoon dollops of the vanilla and strawberry batters into the prepared loaf pan. Using a spatula or a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create beautiful marbled patterns that promise a taste of both flavors in every slice.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring that perfect slice every time.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three pieces of marbled cake. The top two pieces are slices showing a soft, crumbly texture with swirls of light beige and darker brown in the cake layers. The bottom piece is a larger chunk of the same marbled cake with a golden-brown, slightly cracked top, showing swirled patterns of light yellow and brown. Nearby, there is a white container of strawberry kefir and a small white bucket filled with fresh, bright red strawberries with green leaves. The background is a white marbled surface with parts of other white plates and some silver forks visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe by adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry glaze also makes for a lovely finishing touch that adds texture and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair this loaf cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a lovely afternoon treat. For brunch, a simple fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt complements the loaf’s fruity flavor and moist texture beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf into thick pieces and arrange them on a colorful platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation. You can even turn slices into mini desserts by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or layering with fresh berries and cream for a strawberry parfait-style treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist without drying out, though it’s usually so delicious it won’t last that long!

Freezing

If you want to keep your cake longer, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The loaf cake freezes beautifully for up to two months, so you can enjoy strawberry swirls anytime you want.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake slices warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. This brings back the softness and highlights the wonderful strawberry notes freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberry powder?

While fresh strawberries add moisture and flavor, they can alter the batter’s texture and color. Freeze-dried strawberry powder delivers intense flavor without extra moisture, making it ideal for the swirl effect. If using fresh strawberries, consider pureeing and reducing moisture beforehand.

What can I substitute for Lifeway Organic Strawberry Whole Milk Kefir?

You can replace the kefir with plain yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the tangy flavor and moist texture. Just be sure whatever you use is at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly.

Why is it important to fold the batter gently?

Folding gently prevents overmixing, which can develop gluten and make the loaf tough instead of tender and soft. You want to incorporate ingredients just enough for an even crumb and perfect lightness.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly done. Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking to keep the temperature steady.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend appropriate for baking, and make sure to add a binding agent if required by your flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might slightly differ, but it will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Swirl Loaf Cake Recipe is truly a gem to have in your baking repertoire. Its moist crumb, stunning strawberry swirls, and easy preparation make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe will fill your kitchen with sweet, fruity aromas and hearts with joy. Give it a try today and enjoy a slice (or two) of strawberry heaven!