Strawberry Banana Bread: A Sweet, Moist Twist on Classic Banana Bread
Strawberry Banana Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home. It combines the comforting familiarity of classic banana bread with the bright, fruity sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a loaf that’s soft, moist, and bursting with flavor in every slice. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast, a school snack, or a casual dessert, this homemade strawberry banana bread delivers bakery-style results with simple pantry ingredients.
Banana bread has long been a beloved staple in American kitchens, prized for its ability to transform overripe bananas into something irresistible. By adding strawberries, we elevate the traditional loaf into something more vibrant and seasonal. The strawberries soften as they bake, releasing pockets of natural sweetness that perfectly complement the rich banana base. The result is a quick bread that feels indulgent yet approachable, fruity yet comforting.
This strawberry banana bread recipe is designed to be foolproof. It produces a tender crumb, a lightly caramelized crust, and a perfectly balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower the natural fruit flavors. It’s the kind of loaf you’ll find yourself baking again and again, especially when strawberries are in season and bananas are ripening faster than expected on the counter.
Why Strawberry Banana Bread Works So Well
The magic of strawberry banana bread lies in balance. Bananas bring moisture, natural sweetness, and structure to the loaf, while strawberries add freshness, acidity, and bursts of flavor. Because strawberries contain a high amount of water, this recipe carefully balances wet and dry ingredients to prevent sogginess while keeping the bread incredibly moist.
Using ripe bananas is essential. The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but the recipe can be adapted with frozen strawberries if needed.
This loaf is also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed plain, lightly toasted with butter, or even topped with a simple glaze for a dessert-style finish. It’s equally at home on a breakfast table or served with afternoon coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1.25 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix until fully incorporated.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and yogurt, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Toss the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Banana Bread
One of the most important tips for success is avoiding overmixing. Once the flour is added, stir gently to keep the crumb tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Coating the strawberries lightly in flour helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the bread instead of sinking to the bottom. This small step makes a noticeable difference in texture and appearance.
If the top of your bread begins browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the final 15 minutes of baking. This ensures the center bakes through without over-darkening the crust.
Delicious Variations
Strawberry banana bread is incredibly adaptable. For added texture, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. For extra indulgence, add white chocolate chips or a drizzle of vanilla glaze once cooled.
You can also make this recipe healthier by substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar slightly. Greek yogurt can replace regular yogurt for added protein and richness.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and coconut yogurt. The results are just as moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve strawberry banana bread warm with a pat of butter for a comforting breakfast. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
For dessert, top slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lightly toasting the bread enhances the banana flavor and adds a pleasant contrast to the soft interior.
This loaf also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, it’s a thoughtful and delicious offering for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
Fun Food Facts
Banana bread surged in popularity during the Great Depression as home cooks sought creative ways to avoid food waste. Adding strawberries is a modern twist that reflects today’s love for fresh, seasonal baking.
Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside, and their natural acidity helps balance the sweetness of banana-based baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry banana bread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. It’s a recipe that feels nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet special. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking rotation.
Strawberry Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Mix melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt. Mix until combined.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
