Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread is a delicious twist on classic banana bread, featuring sweet, ripe bananas and juicy strawberries in every bite. This moist and tender quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. The combination of fruity flavors and a soft, tender crumb makes this bread a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender: Perfectly soft with a delicious crumb.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Bursting with flavor: Fresh strawberries and ripe bananas make a great combo.
• Perfect for any time of day: Enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
• Great for using up ripe bananas: A fun alternative to traditional banana bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating strawberries)

Directions

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Prepare Strawberries: Toss the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking in the batter). Gently fold them into the batter.

Bake the Bread

6. Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serve

9. Slice and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature. This bread is delicious on its own or with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Coconut Twist: Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Berry Swap: Use fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or toast lightly.
• Freezing: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

How do I prevent strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the diced strawberries in flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them evenly distributed.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What if I only have one ripe banana?

You can use 1 ripe banana and ½ cup of applesauce as a substitute for the second banana.

How do I make this bread dairy-free?

Use oil instead of butter, and ensure your add-ins like chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Can I add a glaze to this bread?

Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice or milk adds a delicious touch.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to ½ cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

What can I serve with Strawberry Banana Bread?

This bread is great on its own or served with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.

How do I keep the bread moist?

Store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful way to enjoy classic banana bread with a fresh, fruity twist. The combination of sweet strawberries and ripe bananas creates a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven, as an on-the-go snack, or as a special breakfast treat, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite of this beautiful bread!

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