Banana bread is one of those comforting treats that many of us cherish. It’s soft, sweet, and a perfect way to use up ripe bananas. When you add strawberries to the mix, it elevates the classic recipe to something truly special. Strawberry Banana Bread not only combines the beloved flavors of banana and strawberry but also results in a moist, flavorful loaf that you can enjoy any time of the day. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

why make this recipe

You might wonder why you should try making Strawberry Banana Bread. First, it’s simple! This recipe utilizes easy-to-find ingredients, so you likely have most of them on hand. Using pancake mix simplifies the process even further, allowing you to create a delicious loaf with minimal effort. Another reason to make this bread is the incredible taste. The sweetness of ripe bananas combines beautifully with the tartness of strawberries, making each bite a delightful experience. Moreover, this recipe is versatile: you can enjoy it warm, or toasted, or even topped with your favorites like butter or cream cheese.

In addition to its great taste and ease, this bread is a wonderful way to introduce kids to baking. They can mash the bananas, chop the strawberries, and mix the ingredients, making it a fun family activity.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a gift or a treat to share, this Strawberry Banana Bread makes for a lovely homemade gift. Wrap it up nicely, and you’ll have a thoughtful present that is sure to please.

how to make Strawberry Banana Bread

Making Strawberry Banana Bread is straightforward and enjoyable. Here are detailed steps to guide you through the process.

Ingredients :

1 cup pancake mix
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry juice

Directions :

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the heat is right when your bread is ready to bake.
Grease the Loaf Pan: Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. This step is essential to prevent the bread from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are well mixed. The pancake mix serves as the base, providing structure to the bread.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Then add the chopped strawberries, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients until well incorporated. The bananas and strawberries not only add flavor but also keep the bread moist.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix them until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bread dense.
Pour into the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Enjoy: Slice your Strawberry Banana Bread and enjoy it as is, or serve it warm with a pat of butter.

how to serve Strawberry Banana Bread

Serving Strawberry Banana Bread is very simple. You can slice it thick or thin, depending on your preference. It is delightful on its own or with various toppings. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Plain: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or at room temperature.
With Butter: Spread some butter on a slice for added richness.
With Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the sweetness.
Toast It: Lightly toast the bread before serving for a warm, crispy edge.
With Fruits: Serve it alongside fresh fruit like more strawberries, bananas, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

This bread also pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a perfect option for breakfast or afternoon snacks.

how to store Strawberry Banana Bread

To store your Strawberry Banana Bread, allow it to cool completely. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Here’s how to do it:

Slice the Bread: Slice the bread first, so you can take out a piece at a time.
Wrap Tightly: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Label: Don’t forget to label the packaging with the date. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or heat them directly in a toaster or microwave.

tips to make Strawberry Banana Bread

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but if you only have frozen ones, that’s okay too. Just ensure to drain and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
Check Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the bread. If it starts to brown too quickly on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Add Nuts or Chocolate: For extra crunch or sweetness, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

variation

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try with your Strawberry Banana Bread:

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
Use Other Berries: Instead of strawberries, try blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Incorporate semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Coconut: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical feel.
Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm flavor to the bread.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can substitute the pancake mix with a gluten-free pancake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Absolutely! You can use mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

Can I leave out the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness.

With all these tips and information, you’re now ready to bake your delightful Strawberry Banana Bread! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!

Strawberry Banana Bread

Print Recipe

A moist and flavorful loaf combining ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pancake mix
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons strawberry juice (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the pancake mix, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Prepare the wet ingredients by mashing the bananas and adding strawberries, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, and check doneness with a toothpick.
Cool the bread for 10-15 minutes, then prepare the glaze.
Glaze the cooled bread with the strawberry juice mixture.
Enjoy your Strawberry Banana Bread sliced, plain or with toppings!

Notes

For a delightful treat, enjoy with butter or cream cheese. This bread also freezes well.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: banana bread, strawberry bread, easy baking, quick bread, dessert recipes, vegetarian