If you love the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the natural sweetness of fruit, then you are in for a real treat with this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe. It combines the rich, moist texture of ripe bananas with the burst of juicy strawberries in every bite, creating a loaf that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a perfect breakfast companion, a delightful snack, or a homemade gift that shows you care, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet they each play a vital role in making your Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe shine. From the natural sweetness of fruit to the soft crumb of the bread, every element works harmoniously to bring about that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 3 ripe bananas: Ripe bananas bring creamy moisture and natural sweetness, ensuring your bread is perfectly tender.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped: Fresh strawberries add bursts of juicy flavor and a beautiful pop of color throughout the bread.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving structure and the ideal crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide richness.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds a luscious, buttery taste and contributes to the moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that complements both banana and strawberry beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to give your bread that perfect golden crust the moment it goes in. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or a non-stick spray to make sure your bread releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash those ripe bananas in a large bowl until they become creamy and smooth with just a few small lumps left to keep the texture interesting. This step is crucial because those bananas not only sweeten the bread but also bring in incredible moisture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Into the mashed bananas, add your eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s a homogenous mixture, ready to marry with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and seasoning throughout the bread.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Take your time with this step to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. A gentle hand keeps the crumb tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Add the Fresh Strawberries
Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries, distributing their juicy sweetness throughout the batter. These gems will bake into delightful pockets of flavor that make this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe stand out.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell at this point will be utterly irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and tasty touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over your slices or add a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh strawberry slices or a smear of cream cheese also complement the bread beautifully and brighten up the presentation.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon tea. You can also serve it alongside yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to round out a refreshing and wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your slices into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and fresh berries or toast slices lightly and spread with almond butter for added crunch and flavor. This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is versatile enough to inspire many delightful serving ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your loaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, slice your bread and toast it lightly or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will revive the delightful aroma and soften the texture for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the bread’s texture.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are best because they are sweeter and softer, which keeps the bread moist. If you only have unripe bananas, consider adding a bit more sugar or letting them sit to ripen at room temperature.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Absolutely. Using oil can make the bread even moister, but it might slightly change the flavor. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best results.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The classic test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded in with the strawberries for an extra layer of texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade bread that warms both the kitchen and the heart, and this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe delivers just that. Packed with fresh fruit and rich flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep returning to whenever you need a little comfort and joy in slice form. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite loaf!
Print
Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Strawberry Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, enhanced with fresh strawberries for a delightful burst of sweetness. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a snack, this bread combines ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and a simple batter baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 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) to ensure it is at the correct baking temperature for even cooking.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bread.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth to form the base of the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well until all wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening and salt.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, mixing gently to combine without overworking the batter.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to prevent bruising.
- Bake Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once fully cooled.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Fresh strawberries add a lovely texture and flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable (thawed and drained).
- Check the bread at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking; cooking times may vary based on oven differences.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
