Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, adding fresh strawberries for natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful pink hue. This quick bread is soft, tender, and bursting with fruity flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The combination of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries creates a naturally sweet and moist loaf, while a hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

This recipe is a favorite because it’s versatile, easy to make, and feels indulgent without being overly sweet. It’s a great way to use overripe bananas and fresh or frozen strawberries, and the aroma while baking fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a fruity, flavorful upgrade to traditional banana bread. The strawberries add a bright, fresh taste and make the bread incredibly moist. It’s soft enough for breakfast with a cup of coffee but also sweet enough to serve as a dessert. It’s a comforting, homemade treat that’s simple to make yet always impresses.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Soft, moist, and naturally sweet
• Perfect way to use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Delicious for breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits

Time, Servings and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 65–80 minutes
• Servings: 8–10

Approximate Calories:

• 220–250 calories per slice

Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas and mix with melted butter or oil.
3. Stir in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Gently fold in chopped strawberries and nuts if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in melted butter (or oil), sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense bread.
6. Add Strawberries and Nuts: Gently fold in chopped strawberries and nuts, ensuring even distribution.
7. Pour Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Strawberry Banana Bread sliced and plain, or spread with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even as a light dessert. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Gently fold strawberries into the batter to prevent the bread from turning too pink or watery.
• Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your bananas and strawberries.
• Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• For extra flavor, toast nuts lightly before adding them.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Chocolate Strawberry Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
2. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Vegan Version: Use flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and coconut oil instead of egg and butter.
4. Berry Mix: Use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with strawberries.
5. Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 2–3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk and spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Bread is a soft, moist, and flavorful quick bread that elevates traditional banana bread with the natural sweetness and juiciness of strawberries. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and can be easily customized with nuts, chocolate, or other fruits. Easy to prepare, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, this bread is a must-try for anyone looking for a fruity, homemade treat that fills your kitchen with wonderful aroma and warmth.