Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, you’ve landed in the right spot! This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe combines the sweet flavors of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries, all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy bread. It’s easy to whip up and sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s made with pancake mix, making it super simple for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

What makes this recipe special is not just its delicious taste but also how it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a family gathering, this bread is bound to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With pancake mix as the base, you can have this Strawberry Banana Bread ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of strawberries and bananas; it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a loaf ahead of time and enjoy it over several days or freeze it for later.
• Deliciously Moist: The addition of strawberries helps keep this bread moist and flavorful.
• Customizable Glaze: Top it off with a sweet strawberry glaze that you can adjust to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to bring this delicious Strawberry Banana Bread to life!

For the Bread

• 1 medium overripe banana
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (59ml) water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
• ½ cup (119ml) vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (244g) Krusteaz Pancake Mix
• 1 cup (149g) chopped strawberries

For the Glaze

• ¾ cup (86g) powdered sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon strawberry extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, add chocolate chips along with the strawberries.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries depending on your taste preferences.
• Make It Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat pancake mix instead of regular for a healthier option.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick baking spray or greasing and flouring it. This will help your bread come out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

In a large bowl, add the medium overripe banana. Using a fork or potato masher, mash it until smooth. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the mashed banana, add the eggs, water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until well combined. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly helps create a cohesive batter that keeps everything moist.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Pancake Mix

Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and pancake mix. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of light and fluffy goodness.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in your chopped strawberries into the batter. This step is crucial because you want pieces of strawberry throughout each slice without crushing them too much.

Step 6: Bake!

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s done! Let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While your bread cools down, whisk together powdered sugar, remaining vanilla extract, strawberry extract if using, and heavy cream until smooth. Adjust cream to get your desired consistency—it should be pourable but thick enough to stay on top!

Step 8: Frost Your Bread

Once your bread has cooled completely, drizzle or frost it with that lovely glaze you just made! Remember that while the frosting won’t set completely like traditional icing does, it’ll form a nice crust on top.

Enjoy every comforting bite of this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe! It’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Making the perfect Strawberry Banana Bread is all about a few little tweaks that can elevate your baking game. Here are some handy tips to ensure your bread turns out delicious every time!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Plus, they mash easier!
• Be gentle when folding in strawberries: Overmixing can break down the strawberries and make your batter too watery. A gentle touch ensures you keep those lovely strawberry chunks intact.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfect texture.
• Let it cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of flavor! Just remember to adjust the baking time if you’re adding heavier ingredients.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Serving your Strawberry Banana Bread can be as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this sweet treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: A few sliced fresh strawberries on top of each slice add a pop of color and enhance the fruity flavor.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint beside your banana bread slices offers a refreshing contrast and adds a vibrant touch.
• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly dusting with powdered sugar just before serving gives it an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt pairs wonderfully, adding a tangy element that balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Honey or maple syrup: Drizzling honey or maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the fruit flavors beautifully.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits adds freshness and variety alongside your banana bread.
• Coffee or tea: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting brunch experience that everyone will love.

Enjoy every bite of your Strawberry Banana Bread, whether as a delightful breakfast treat or an afternoon snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container.
• Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for a longer freshness.

Freezing

• If you’d like to freeze the bread, do so before frosting it.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• To reheat, slice the bread and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
• Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per slice or until warmed through.
• For a crispy outer texture, you can also toast slices in a toaster or oven.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use fresh strawberries in the Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces to evenly distribute throughout the batter.

How long will the Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe last?

This scrumptious banana bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months!

Can I substitute the pancake mix in the Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free pancake mix or even all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder if you’re looking for alternatives.

Is this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe suitable for brunch?

Definitely! This sweet and fruity bread makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread and is sure to impress your guests.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Of course! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips along with the strawberries for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe as delightful as I do! It’s such a wonderful way to enjoy those overripe bananas while embracing the sweetness of strawberries. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, I know you’ll love making (and eating) this lovely bread. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!