If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic favorite, this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become your go-to for cozy breakfasts, delightful snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with bursts of juicy strawberries, creating a moist, tender loaf that’s bursting with flavor and color. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, this bread is pure comfort wrapped in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful contributors to the delicious magic of your bread. Each one plays a key role—ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, strawberries bring vibrant juiciness, while the flour and eggs provide that perfect structure and crumb. Let’s see what you’ll be gathering:
- 3 ripe bananas: Make sure they’re spotty and soft for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: Adds juicy bursts and a lovely color contrast inside the bread.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness but balances beautifully with the fruit.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Contributes tender crumb and a wonderful buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan—grease it well or line it with parchment to ensure your bread comes out perfectly. This step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they’ll add a lovely texture. This will be the moist and flavorful foundation of your bread.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract directly into the bananas. This blend creates a rich, velvety base, bringing all the moisture and aroma together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will provide structure while balancing the sweetness and rising power.
Step 5: Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine will keep your bread tender and light.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Finally, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries with care. You want them evenly distributed without crushing them, so the bursts of juicy strawberry remain delightfully intact during baking.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even rise. This little step ensures your bread bakes uniformly and looks picture-perfect when sliced.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s a wonderful preview of what’s to come.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bread set up nicely and slices cleanly without crumbling. Then, dig in and enjoy the beautiful marriage of strawberry and banana flavors!
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey on a warm slice elevates the flavor beautifully. Fresh strawberry slices or a dusting of powdered sugar also add a lovely touch for presentation and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, turning any snack time into a cozy, comforting pause. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt or a bowl of fresh berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices and serving them with nut butter for added protein and texture. You can even make mini bread muffins using the batter in a muffin tin to create portable, bite-sized delights perfect for brunch or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your strawberry banana bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay moist and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place slices in freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months, letting you enjoy this treat long after baking day.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen bread, thaw at room temperature and warm slices briefly in the toaster or microwave. Reheating revives that freshly baked softness and enhances the flavors, making it feel like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent your bread from becoming too soggy. Fresh strawberries tend to give the best texture and color contrast.
Can I substitute applesauce for the butter?
Absolutely! Using applesauce is a great lower-fat alternative, though it will slightly change the texture, making the bread a bit denser but still moist and delicious.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer, which adds fantastic flavor and moisture to your bread.
What if my bread is too dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this develops gluten and can make the bread tough. Also, measure your flour carefully to avoid adding too much.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips complements the fruity flavors nicely and adds wonderful texture and richness.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh fruit into a beloved classic. It’s simple, tasty, and full of heartwarming flavors that feel like a hug in bread form. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people—happy baking!
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Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic banana bread, featuring ripe bananas and fresh chopped strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it combines the sweetness of bananas with the freshness of strawberries, baked to golden perfection in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare for baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Strawberries: Carefully fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Be gentle when folding in the strawberries to prevent the batter from turning pink and watery.
- You can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
- This bread keeps well at room temperature for 2 days and can be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Slice and toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
