Looking for a way to use up ripe bananas and fresh strawberries? This strawberry banana bread recipe is moist, fruity, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, this quick bread is sure to become your new favorite.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh fruit, this homemade strawberry banana bread is easy to make and even easier to love.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
There are so many reasons why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- It’s simple and fast — just grab one bowl and a handful of everyday ingredients to get started.
- It’s family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love the sweet and fruity flavor.
- Perfect for ripe bananas – No more throwing away overripe fruit!
- Fresh strawberries add a twist – They brighten up the classic banana bread beautifully.
- It’s freezer-friendly — make a double batch and store some for later treats.
This strawberry banana bread delivers the perfect mix of moist texture and natural sweetness from ripe bananas and juicy fresh strawberries. The result? A delicious, soft loaf with a tender crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Most of these are probably already in your pantry or fridge:
Main Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – The riper, the better. Brown spots are a good sign!
- Fresh strawberries – Washed, hulled, and chopped.
- All-purpose flour – For a soft and tender loaf.
- Baking soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar works best.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – Adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a rich, warm note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread from Scratch
This recipe is truly simple and doesn’t require a mixer. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. Aim for roughly 1 cup of mashed bananas for the perfect texture and sweetness.
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add sugar, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated—don’t overmix. Then gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Coat the strawberries in a tablespoon of flour beforehand to keep them from sinking to the bottom.
Step 3: Bake
Transfer the batter to the greased loaf pan and gently spread it into an even layer. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool fully.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas – The browner, the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter – It can make the bread dense or tough.
- Fresh strawberries work best – Frozen ones can release too much moisture.
- Add-ins? Go for it! – Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Variations You Can Try
Want to change it up? This recipe is easy to customize:
1. Strawberry Banana Muffins
Spoon the batter into muffin tins rather than using a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Great for on-the-go snacks!
2. Healthy Strawberry Banana Bread
Swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup. Swap in whole wheat flour to boost fiber and nutritional value.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The result is still moist and delicious.
4. Strawberry Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt
Substitute half of the oil with plain Greek yogurt to add protein and a gentle tangy flavor.
What to Serve With Strawberry Banana Bread
This sweet bread is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more enjoyable by pairing it with:
- A cup of coffee or tea – Perfect for a cozy morning.
- A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess.
- Fresh fruit on the side – Strawberries, bananas, or blueberries work well.
- A drizzle of honey or nut butter – For a satisfying twist.
How to Store and Freeze
To store: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it remains fresh for up to three days.
To freeze: Wrap slices individually or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave individual slices for a quick snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries. Frozen ones release too much liquid and may make the bread soggy.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe—yellow with brown spots or even mostly brown. These add the most flavor and moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg, and opt for a neutral plant-based oil or melted coconut oil.
Final Thoughts
If you love banana bread and fresh strawberries, this recipe is a must-try. The moist crumb, fruity flavor, and sweet aroma will keep you coming back for more. It’s quick to make, hard to mess up, and easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it as a weekend brunch centerpiece or packing it into lunchboxes for the week, this strawberry banana bread recipe truly delivers.
Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite too!
If you love strawberries and want more tasty ideas, be sure to check out our fresh Strawberry Puree Recipe. It’s simple to make and perfect for adding a burst of natural sweetness to your smoothies, desserts, and breakfast dishes!