Posted in Baked goods, Baking, Bread, Cake, Desserts

Strawberry and Pecan Tea Loaf

Posted on by lmc



As the early spring weather brings the hope for a bumper crop of beautiful berries, green speared asparagus, and long stalks of leafy rhubarb, I’m always reminded of this recipe for Strawberry and Pecan Tea Loaf…

Years ago, when my children were young, I owned a home daycare that would serve the purpose of caring for neighborhood children (along with my own) and helped to bring in a little extra money in the process.  I must admit, the days were long and the children were often more work than I expected but every day brought with it a new set of rewards and cherished experiences.  

One early evening, just before a holiday weekend, a parent arrived late to pick up her only son.  She apologized for her tardiness and placed a cellophane wrapped Strawberry and Pecan Tea Loaf on the kitchen table before leaving.  She had presented it as a token of appreciation and as an Easter gift.   

That evening, I sliced the loaf and placed it on our dinner table to be served with our Good Friday meal. I served the loaf with a big pot of tea and was delighted with its moist and flavorful texture as the loaf was chocked with plump berries and crunchy pecans.  I quickly made a note to ask this parent for the recipe.  She obliged and I’ve cherished it ever since.  


Strawberry & Pecan Tea Loaf

2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

3 cups flour

2 cups + 2 teaspoons sugar, divided

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

4 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray with cooking spray, two 9 x 5″ loaf pans. Place strawberries in a medium sized bowl. Sprinkle lightly with 2 teaspoons of sugar; set aside.

Combine flour, remaining 2 cups sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in large bowl; mix well. Mix oil, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract into strawberries. Add strawberry mixture to flour mixture, mixing until dry ingredients are just moistened. Stir in chopped pecans. Divide batter into pans.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of loaves comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes. Turn loaves out onto wire racks; cool completely before slicing.

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19 thoughts on “Strawberry and Pecan Tea Loaf”

    1. Oh yes, Tabitha… Wrap it well in cellophane or in a reusable container and it will keep well in the lunchbox. I often make several loaves and freeze them for later. Have a great day!

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  5. How nice, I bet being late didn’t matter after that! This looks absolutely delicious. I love baking with strawberries and am going to have to try this 🙂

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  6. Pingback: Strawberry and Pecan Tea Loaf | homethoughtsfromabroad626

    1. Oh my goodness, that’s so funny… I was thinking the same thing. Every time I see the picture, I think about making another loaf! Yikes, that can’t be good for my waistline!!! 🙂

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    1. Oh, this loaf is delicious and you’re right, I have seen very few recipes for quick bread that include strawberries. It’s certainly not diet food and it’s definitely difficult to eat just one slice! 🙂 Take care and thanks for your comment!

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