Strawberry Banana Bread: A Burst of Fruity Sunshine in Every Slice

If you’re a fan of classic banana bread but want to mix things up, this strawberry banana bread is your new go-to recipe! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries, this strawberry banana loaf is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy strawberry banana bread or a decadent chocolate strawberry banana bread, this recipe is versatile, easy, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in and bake something amazing!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (or frozen strawberry, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Fresh Strawberry Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in Bananas and Strawberries: Add the mashed bananas and chopped strawberries, mixing until well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Fold in Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
8. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped strawberries. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Variant Recipes

• Strawberry Banana Bread Muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for a shorter time (about 20-25 minutes). These are perfect for banana snack ideas.
• Chocolate Strawberry Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
• Strawberry Sour Cream Bread: Replace 1/2 cup of the mashed banana with 1/2 cup of sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Vegan Strawberry Banana Bread: Use a flax egg or applesauce as an egg substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Roasted Strawberry Banana Bread: Roast the strawberries before adding them to the batter for a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
• Strawberry And Banana Cake: Add a cream cheese frosting to make it a cake.

What to Serve with Your Strawberry Banana Bread

This bread is fantastic on its own, but here are some delightful pairings:

Drinks

• Coffee: A classic pairing, perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up.
• Tea: Chamomile or green tea complement the fruity flavors nicely.
• Milk: A glass of cold milk is a simple and satisfying choice.

Food

• Butter: A simple pat of butter enhances the bread’s flavor.
• Cream Cheese: A smear of cream cheese adds a tangy creaminess.
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that balances the richness of the bread.
• Strawberry Biscuits: Serve alongside strawberry biscuits for a strawberry-themed meal.
• Strawberry Banana Pudding: Serve as a side with strawberry banana pudding for a complete dessert experience.

Other

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

FAQ’s

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

A: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the bread.

Q: How do I store strawberry banana bread?

A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Q: Is this a healthy recipe?

A: While it’s a treat, it incorporates fruit and can be made healthier by using whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar. It can be considered a healthy strawberry banana bread when made with healthier ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry banana bread is the perfect way to enjoy two of your favorite fruits in one delicious loaf. Whether you’re making it as a fruit quick bread for breakfast, a strawberry and banana dessert recipe, or just a sweet snack, this recipe is versatile, easy, and always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe strawberries and bananas.

So, grab those ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, and bake a loaf of this strawberry banana loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍓🍌✨