1. Prepare Oven and Pans

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Butter two 8×4-inch loaf pans and set aside.

2. Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest

• In a large bowl, rub together the granulated sugar and lemon zest until the mixture is moist and fragrant.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

• Beat in softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Lemon Juice

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

• Stir in lemon juice.

5. Combine Buttermilk and Lemon Extract

• Add buttermilk and lemon extract; mix until just combined.

6. Fold in Strawberries

• Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

7. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

8. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated.

9. Bake the Loaves

• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

• Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Serve

• Allow loaves to cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before removing.

• Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.