If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic banana bread, this Easy Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine the moist, tender crumb of banana bread, perfectly sweetened and studded with juicy, vibrant strawberries that bring pops of freshness in every bite. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that bakes up quick and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it the perfect comfort snack or breakfast companion. You’ll love how the combination of strawberries and banana feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each element is chosen not just for flavor, but also for the perfect texture and color that make this bread absolutely scrumptious.
- 1 medium overripe banana: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture to keep the bread tender.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to lighten the batter and ensure it stays moist without being dense.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Adds tender moisture and keeps the bread soft for days.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Balances natural fruit sweetness with a touch of caramelized flavor after baking.
- 2 cups Krusteaz pancake mix: A clever shortcut to provide the perfect flour base and leavening without fuss.
- 1 cup chopped strawberries: These add bursts of juicy freshness and a lovely pink hue that brightens up every slice.
- For the glaze: ¾ cup powdered sugar combined with 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (optionally colored) adds a sweet finishing touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep and preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread will bake evenly and come out perfectly clean after baking.
Step 2: Mash the banana
In a large bowl, take your overripe banana and mash it until smooth. This provides the natural sweetness and moist base that the bread relies on for its signature tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
Beat in the eggs, water, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until everything is well mixed. These liquids bring richness and help create the proper batter consistency for a soft bread.
Step 4: Add sugar and pancake mix
Sprinkle in the granulated sugar and pancake mix, then stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the bread light and avoid a dense texture.
Step 5: Fold in the strawberries
With gentle hands, fold the chopped strawberries into the batter. This step is crucial to keep the strawberry pieces intact so you get delightful bursts of fruity flavor throughout the bread.
Step 6: Bake the bread
Pour your batter into the loaf pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread will rise beautifully and develop a golden crust.
Step 7: Cool before glazing
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then remove it and cool completely on a wire rack. Waiting until it is fully cool is key before adding the sweet glaze topping.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of the homemade glaze creates an inviting shine and adds just the right touch of sweetness. Fresh strawberry slices on top make it feel extra special and give your presentation that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This strawberry banana bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swipe of creamy butter. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee for an irresistible combination that wakes up your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread toasts and layering it with cream cheese and fresh strawberries for a decadent breakfast sandwich. You can also cut it into cubes, skewer with berries, and serve as fun finger food at casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures it stays soft and flavorful without drying out. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigeration is an option but bring it back to room temp before serving.
Freezing
Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen strawberry banana bread maintains its flavor for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic treat to have on hand for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness. Adding a thin layer of butter before reheating can create a melty, luxurious texture that feels like you just pulled it from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pancake mix with regular flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour along with a bit of baking powder as a leavening agent, but the pancake mix adds an easy blend of flour and leavening that takes the guesswork out of baking. If substituting, use 2 cups of flour plus 2 teaspoons baking powder for best results.
What type of strawberries work best for this recipe?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are perfect because they’re juicy and sweet, which complements the banana’s flavor beautifully. Avoid overly soft or mushy berries so your bread doesn’t get soggy.
Can I make this bread vegan?
With some adjustments, yes! Swap eggs for flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based milk or water, and replace vegetable oil with coconut oil or vegan butter for similar texture and taste.
Is this bread suitable for freezing after glazing?
It’s best to freeze the bread before glazing, as the glaze can become sticky or runny when thawed. Once thawed, add the glaze fresh for the best texture and appearance.
How ripe should the banana be?
Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they have the highest natural sugar content and moisture, which give the bread that irresistible tender crumb and sweetness without extra sugar.
Final Thoughts
If you want a quick, satisfying bake that feels homemade yet effortlessly delicious, you absolutely must try this Easy Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe. It brings together the best of fruity freshness and baked comfort in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Easy Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Strawberry Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of overripe bananas with fresh strawberries for a moist, flavorful loaf. Using pancake mix as a base simplifies the ingredients and preparation, making this a quick and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 1 medium overripe banana
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups Krusteaz pancake mix
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Optional food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mash Banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe banana until smooth to create a natural sweetness base for the bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (estimate 1 teaspoon) to the mashed banana and mix until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar and Krusteaz pancake mix gently, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more for desired consistency; optionally add a few drops of food coloring.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen and thawed strawberries can be used but drain excess juice to avoid sogginess.
- Allow bread to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting into the bread.
- The glaze can be customized with food coloring to match themes or preferences.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
