The Ultimate Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of homemade banana bread, and this Strawberry Banana Bread recipe elevates that classic comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a luscious twist on traditional banana bread, infusing it with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries. This delightful quick bread is not only incredibly moist and flavorful but also provides a fantastic way to utilize those perfectly ripe (or even overripe!) bananas sitting on your counter. The combination of sweet bananas and juicy strawberries creates a harmonious blend that makes every bite truly irresistible.

If you’re a fan of quick bread recipes, this Strawberry Banana Bread is an absolute must-try. It offers all the comforting familiarity of classic banana bread but with an exciting strawberry twist that adds both vibrant color and an extra burst of fruit flavor. The resulting texture is incredibly moist and tender, a hallmark of a well-made quick bread, and the taste is simply unbeatable. It’s perfect as a satisfying snack, a delightful dessert, or our personal favorite – a fantastic breakfast treat to start your day on a sweet note.

We’ve been making this recipe for years, and it consistently receives rave reviews. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Beyond this strawberry-infused delight, you might also enjoy exploring other quick bread favorites like our comforting Cherry Bread or the seasonal delight of Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe. And if you frequently find yourself with extra ripe bananas, don’t let them go to waste! Transform them into these equally delicious Banana Cookies or our popular Banana Bars Recipe.

Why We Love This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy with every slice. Here’s why it’s become a beloved staple in our kitchen:

• Irresistible Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The star of the show! The inclusion of fresh, juicy strawberries adds a wonderful tang and sweetness that perfectly complements the mellow banana flavor. It’s a refreshing change from plain banana bread.
• Made with Everyday Pantry Staples: You likely already have most of the ingredients needed for this recipe in your pantry. This means less shopping and more spontaneous baking whenever the craving strikes or those bananas get perfectly ripe.
• Budget-Friendly Baking: Using ripe bananas is not only delicious but also economical. This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is very frugal to make, turning simple, inexpensive ingredients into a gourmet-tasting treat.
• Perfect Use for Ripe Bananas: Don’t throw away those browning bananas! This recipe transforms them into a sweet, moist foundation, giving them a delicious second life. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Wonderfully Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to ingredients like sour cream and mashed ripe bananas, this bread boasts an incredibly moist and soft crumb that practically melts in your mouth. No dry bread here!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a simple yet impressive dessert, this bread fits the bill. It’s fantastic with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable bread. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful notes:

• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of our bread. Remember to reserve about 3 tablespoons for coating the strawberries – this crucial step prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to give the bread its perfect rise and tender texture. If you happen to run out of baking soda, you can consult our guide on the Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and moisture.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy batter. Ensure it’s at room temperature for best results.
• Sour Cream: This is a secret weapon for an incredibly moist bread! It adds richness and a slight tang that complements the fruit.
• Ripe Bananas (Mashed): The darker your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots. We like to leave a few small chunks for added texture, but you can mash them completely smooth if preferred.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother mixture and better overall texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Use good quality pure vanilla extract for the best, most aromatic flavor. It truly makes a difference.
• Fresh Strawberries (Chopped): The star fruit! Make sure they are fresh, ripe, and chopped into small, even pieces for even distribution throughout the bread.

You’ll find the complete list of exact measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Strawberry Banana Bread: Variations and Additions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite flavors and textures. Here are some fantastic ideas for variations and additions:

• Nuts for Crunch: Add about ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can even lightly toast them beforehand to enhance their aroma.
• Swap the Fruit: While strawberries are divine, feel free to experiment with other berries! Raspberries or blueberries would be excellent substitutes, offering their own unique tartness and color. Just ensure they are fresh and coated in flour, similar to the strawberries.
• Indulgent Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, mix in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would be fantastic choices. You can also sprinkle some on top of the bread before baking for a beautiful finish.
• Greek Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. It provides similar moisture and tang, making your bread just as tender. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
• Almond Extract: For a slightly different flavor profile, swap out one teaspoon of vanilla extract for almond extract. It pairs beautifully with both strawberries and bananas, adding a sophisticated note.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavors of the bread, especially if you’re leaning into a more autumnal feel, even with strawberries.
• Citrus Zest: A tablespoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the entire flavor profile of the bread, adding a lovely aromatic lift.
• Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, prepare a simple streusel topping (flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon) and sprinkle it over the batter before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Banana Bread

Creating this delicious quick bread is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked loaf:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Generously spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients. Next, add the sour cream to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until just combined. Then, add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, mix in the pure vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate Bananas and Dry Ingredients. Gently mash the ripe bananas with a fork, leaving a few small chunks for texture if you like, and add them to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Separately, toss your chopped fresh strawberries with the reserved 3 tablespoons of flour, then gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Bread. Pour the prepared batter into your greased or parchment-lined loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set properly and makes it easier to remove. After 10-15 minutes, carefully turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too early can cause the bread to crumble.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy! Once the bread has completely cooled to room temperature, it’s ready to slice, serve, and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own or with a light spread of butter or cream cheese.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Banana Bread

Proper storage ensures your delicious Strawberry Banana Bread stays fresh and moist for as long as possible:

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or a tightly sealed plastic bag at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 4-5 days. For best results, keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, if you live in a very warm or humid climate, or if you prefer a cooler texture, you can store the bread in the refrigerator. It will last a bit longer, up to about a week, but can sometimes dry out slightly.
• Freezing for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or warm individual slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Banana Bread

Achieve bakery-quality results with these expert tips and tricks:

• Prevent Over-Browning: Towards the end of the baking time, keep a close eye on your bread. If the top starts to brown too quickly, lightly tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to finish baking.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is one of the most crucial tips for quick breads! Mix the wet and dry ingredients together only until they are just combined. A few lumps of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense bread rather than a soft, fluffy one.
• Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and soft to the touch. Green bananas lack the sweetness and moisture needed for the best banana bread.
• Coat the Fruit in Flour: To prevent the chopped strawberries (or any other fruit or mix-ins like chocolate chips) from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, toss them lightly with 1-2 tablespoons of flour before adding them to the batter. This creates a thin barrier that helps them suspend throughout the bread.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter, which contributes to a lighter and more tender crumb.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: It’s tempting to cut into a warm loaf, but resist the urge! Allowing the bread to cool completely on a wire rack allows the internal structure to set. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture and the bread falling apart.
• Make Muffins Instead: This versatile batter can easily be used to make delicious Strawberry Banana Muffins. Simply divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and adjust the baking time. Muffins typically bake for 20-25 minutes at the same temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Banana Bread

Can I use frozen strawberries?

We generally do not recommend using frozen berries for this recipe. Frozen strawberries tend to release a lot of excess moisture as they thaw and bake, which can make your bread soggy and affect its overall texture. They can also cause the batter to seize if added directly from the freezer. For the best results, stick with fresh strawberries.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can absolutely swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is specifically formulated for baking to ensure the best texture and rise in your bread.

How can I ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, there’s a quick trick! Place whole, unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-30 minutes. Their skins will turn completely black, but the insides will become soft and sweet. Let them cool completely before peeling and mashing.

How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?

The ideal bananas for banana bread are those with plenty of brown spots and even some black areas on their peels. They should be very soft to the touch and easy to mash. The browner they are, the sweeter and more concentrated their banana flavor will be, which translates to a more flavorful and moist bread.

What kind of loaf pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. You can use metal, glass, or ceramic. Keep in mind that glass and ceramic pans tend to bake a bit hotter, so you might need to slightly reduce the oven temperature (by about 25°F) or decrease the baking time to prevent over-browning.

More Easy Banana Recipes You’ll Love

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Air Fryer Banana Bread

Easy Brownie

Banana Bread Brownies

Quick Bread

Blueberry Banana Bread

Quick Bread

Chocolate Banana Bread

Get ready to enjoy the most delicious and moist Strawberry Banana Bread you’ve ever tasted. We encourage you to make it today and share your experience! Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how much you loved it. Happy baking!

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Strawberry Banana Bread

5 from 1 vote

Strawberry Banana Bread is a luscious twist on traditionalBanana Bread recipes. The flavor is so delicious with strawberries and a great way to use ripe bananas.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Let the bread cool in the pan 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings 10

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 332

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cups All Purpose Flour plus 3 Tablespoons for coating the Strawberries
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• ▢ 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• ▢ 1/3 cup Butter softened
• ▢ 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• ▢ 3 Ripe Bananas mashed
• ▢ 2 Large Eggs room temperature
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries chopped

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9X5 inch loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.
• In a separate bowl with a stand up mixer or hand held mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixer is light and fluffy.
• Add in the sour cream, eggs, one at a time, until combined. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
• Mash up the ripe bananas and add them to the mixture.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.  Be careful not to over mix the batter.
• Toss the strawberries in 1 tablespoon of flour and then gently stir the strawberries into the batter.
• Pour the batter in the prepared loaf pan.  Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the bread has cooled, it’s ready to slice, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Watch the bread closely toward the end of the cook time. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent the top of the pan with foil to prevent it from getting too browned.

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 332kcal, Carbohydrates 48g, Protein 9g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 188mg, Sodium 326mg, Potassium 227mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 25g, Vitamin A 492IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 62mg, Iron 2mg

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