White Chocolate Strawberry Loaf Cake

White Chocolate Strawberry Loaf Cake

Ingredients
3/4 cup (180g) granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup (80ml) buttermilk
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream, room temperature
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
Pinch of salt
1 cup (250g) white chocolate chips

Roasted Strawberries
1 cup (120g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions
Roasted Strawberries:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Spread the strawberry mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the strawberries are tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Let the roasted strawberries cool completely.

Strawberry Loaf Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing the citrus flavor. Crack in the eggs and beat with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes, until pale in color.
Add the butter and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes, until smooth . Add vanilla bean paste.Stir in the buttermilk and Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined with a spatula.
Fold in the white chocolate chips. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Add a layer of roasted strawberries on top. Pour more batter over the strawberries, followed by another layer of roasted strawberries. Top with the remaining batter and add some roasted strawberries and chocolate on top.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool before cutting.