Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional classic banana bread. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the juicy tang of fresh strawberries, this quick bread is both moist and bursting with fruity flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a sweet afternoon treat, or something special to serve during weekend brunch, this loaf fits the bill perfectly.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It comes together with pantry staples and a handful of fresh fruit yet delivers a taste that feels elevated and indulgent. The strawberries add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the dense banana base, making every bite wonderfully balanced. It’s ideal served slightly warm, plain or with a dab of butter, and stores beautifully for a few days, if it lasts that long!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

• ⅓ cup melted butter

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add melted butter and mix until smooth.

3. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.

6. Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

Strawberry Banana Bread – A Moist, Fruity Delight That Everyone Will Love

There’s something timeless and comforting about homemade banana bread. Its tender crumb, natural sweetness, and irresistible aroma make it a staple in kitchens around the world. But when you add juicy, vibrant strawberries to the mix, the humble banana bread is transformed into something even more special, moist, fruity, slightly tangy, and absolutely delicious. This Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic, and it might just become your new favorite baking recipe.

This recipe was created to bring together the best of both fruits, bananas and strawberries. Bananas provide the soft, sweet base, while strawberries introduce brightness, color, and a juicy burst in every bite. The combination is balanced and pleasing, perfect for those who enjoy fruit-forward baked goods.

Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing a treat for a friend, or looking to fill your home with the warm scent of fresh bread from the oven, this strawberry banana bread checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, made with everyday ingredients, and yields a beautiful loaf that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Bread

There are many reasons to love this particular variation of banana bread. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful loaf ready in about an hour. It’s also versatile, great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a wholesome snack.

Another benefit is that it makes great use of overripe bananas. Instead of tossing them, you can turn them into something incredible. The ripeness of the bananas ensures sweetness and moisture, which are essential for a perfect loaf. And when paired with fresh strawberries, the flavor profile becomes more dynamic and enjoyable.

This bread is also a wonderful option for entertaining. Serve it sliced on a brunch table, pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy gathering, or wrap it up as a thoughtful homemade gift. It looks beautiful with its golden crust and pockets of juicy red fruit, and it tastes even better than it looks.

Tips for Success

To ensure your strawberry banana bread comes out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use ripe bananas: The darker the skin, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and add more flavor and moisture to the bread.

• Fresh strawberries work best: Wash, hull, and chop them into small pieces to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf instead of a soft and tender one.

• Let it cool: While it’s tempting to slice into it right away, allowing the bread to cool helps it set properly and improves its texture.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to play around with different variations to suit your taste:

• Add chocolate chips: A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can add a delicious richness.

• Try nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and pair beautifully with the banana-strawberry combo.

• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream: If you want an extra-moist loaf, adding ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can enhance the texture.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring warmth and depth to the flavor.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Strawberry banana bread stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead baking:

• At room temperature: Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• In the refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5–6 days.

• To freeze: Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

If you’re aiming to make this loaf a little lighter or suitable for dietary preferences, here are a few substitution ideas:

• Reduce the sugar: The bananas and strawberries already provide natural sweetness. You can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup or use coconut sugar.

• Use whole wheat flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrition.

• Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure all ingredients are non-dairy.

• Make it egg-free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to make it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced with some simple toppings and pairings:

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for a cozy morning treat.

• Drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a more indulgent dessert.

• Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a summery brunch option.

• Pair with coffee, tea, or even a fruity smoothie for a complete meal or snack.

Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this bread brings comforting flavors and a touch of summer with every bite.

Baking for the Seasons

Strawberry banana bread is a fantastic recipe to bake during strawberry season when the berries are at their freshest and most flavorful. But thanks to the availability of bananas year-round, this loaf is just as welcome during cooler months, offering a bit of sunshine in the form of a sweet, fruity treat.

In spring and summer, serve it alongside fresh fruit salads and iced beverages. During fall and winter, pair it with hot tea or coffee and a cozy blanket for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Bread is a simple yet irresistible recipe that brings together two of the most beloved fruits in a delicious, moist, and fragrant loaf. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and seasonal strawberries, and it never fails to impress.

Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in some solo baking therapy, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. With its easy preparation, crowd-pleasing flavor, and lovely presentation, it checks all the boxes for a perfect homemade bake.

So next time you find yourself with overripe bananas and a handful of strawberries, don’t hesitate, bake this strawberry banana bread and enjoy the comforting joy of homemade goodness.