Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your mornings, this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is just what you need! It’s sweet, fragrant, and packed with juicy strawberries that make every bite feel like a special occasion. I love making this bread for brunch with friends or as a cozy snack on busy weeknights. The combination of bananas and strawberries is such a classic duo, and it’s hard to resist the lovely glaze on top!

What makes this recipe even more special is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. You can have it baking in no time, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe uses basic pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and soft texture. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some fruit!
• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. It’s delicious any time of day!
• Quick prep time: With just 30 minutes of prep, you’ll be enjoying warm banana bread in no time.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake it ahead of time and store for later—it’s great for meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how each component contributes to the delicious flavor of the strawberry banana bread.

For the Bread

• 1 medium overripe banana
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (59ml) water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
• ½ cup (119ml) vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (244g) Krusteaz Pancake Mix
• 1 cup (149g) chopped strawberries

For the Glaze

• ¾ cup (86g) powdered sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon strawberry extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is its versatility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Swap the fruit: Try using blueberries or raspberries if strawberries aren’t your jam.
• Make it chocolatey: Add some chocolate chips into the batter for an extra sweet touch.
• Spice it up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the get-go. Don’t forget to prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick baking spray or greasing and flouring it well.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

In a large bowl, add your ripe banana and mash it up using a fork or potato masher until smooth. This not only helps incorporate sweetness but also gives the bread its moist texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs, water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to your mashed banana. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture serves as the base and brings everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the sugar and pancake mix. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense bread. We want that light and fluffy texture!

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in those beautiful chunks of strawberries. They’ll burst with flavor as they bake! Pour this vibrant batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached from the center, you know it’s ready!

Step 7: Cool Down & Frost

Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allowing it to cool completely is important before frosting so you don’t end up with a gooey mess.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

For that lovely glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with remaining vanilla extract, strawberry extract (if you’re using it), and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed with more cream if necessary—it should be pourable but not too runny!

Once done frosting, remember that while it won’t set completely, it’ll develop a nice crust on top.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Banana Bread fresh out of the oven or save some for later—if you can resist!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Making your Strawberry Banana Bread a delicious success is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and moister your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal flavor!

• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the strawberries to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what we want in a delightful banana bread.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfect results.

• Let it cool completely before frosting: This step ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt off into a gooey mess. Waiting allows the flavors to set beautifully, enhancing your overall experience.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips along with the strawberries for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust baking time slightly if you add more ingredients.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Serving your Strawberry Banana Bread can be as delightful as making it! There are several ways to present this sweet treat that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Slices of fresh strawberries on top of each slice add a pop of color and freshness.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of mint can elevate the presentation and add a refreshing aroma as you serve.
• Powdered sugar dusting: For an elegant finish, lightly dust the top of your glazed banana bread with powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the banana bread.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits complements the flavors in your bread while adding a refreshing crunch.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the cozy brunch vibe and balances out the sweetness.
• Nut butter: Serve with almond or cashew butter on the side for an added protein boost that pairs well with fruity flavors.

Now that you’ve got all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up this mouthwatering Strawberry Banana Bread! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! It stays fresh for days, making it a great option for breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bread.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the loaf.
• Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can definitely use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.

How long does it take to bake the Strawberry Banana Bread?

The baking time for this Strawberry Banana Bread recipe is about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I substitute pancake mix with regular flour?

While pancake mix gives this recipe its unique texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour combined with baking powder. However, you may need to adjust liquid ingredients slightly.

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream for the glaze?

You can replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk thickened with cornstarch if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a delightful treat that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. The combination of sweet strawberries and ripe bananas creates a comforting flavor that warms the heart. Don’t hesitate to get creative by adding your own twist! Happy baking!