Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Easy Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with fresh strawberries, creating a moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for brunches, snacks, or dessert, it’s made simple with pancake mix, making it an easy option for both novice and experienced bakers. The highlight of this bread is its luscious strawberry glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With pancake mix as the base, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and bananas creates a deliciously fruity bread that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Customizable Glaze: The strawberry glaze can be adjusted to your taste, or you can skip it for a lighter version.
• Great for Leftovers: This bread stays fresh for days and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick baking spray or grease
• Mixing bowls
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk
• 9×5-inch loaf pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick baking spray: Ensures your banana bread releases easily from the pan without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Fork or potato masher: Makes mashing bananas quick and easy.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by combining wet ingredients effectively.

Ingredients

Easy Strawberry Banana Bread – a banana bread made from pancake mix and filled with tons of strawberries and a strawberry glaze on top. Perfect for brunch!

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)

How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray or grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

In a large bowl, add the overripe banana. Use a fork or potato masher to mash it until smooth.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the mashed banana. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add granulated sugar and Krusteaz Pancake Mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries into the batter. Be careful not to break them apart too much.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before removing it from the pan. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, strawberry extract (if using), and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add more cream as needed until you reach your desired consistency. If desired, incorporate red food coloring for extra color.

Step 8: Frost and Store

Frost your cooled banana bread with the glaze. Note that while it won’t set completely, it will develop a nice crust on top. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days or freeze unfrosted bread for up to three months.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Strawberry banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a mix of fresh strawberries and other berries on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Paired with Yogurt

• Enjoy your banana bread alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and additional protein.

As French Toast

• Transform leftover banana bread into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and frying them until golden brown.

With Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of warm slices.

Drizzled with Nutella

• A light drizzle of Nutella adds a rich chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetness of the banana bread.

How to Perfect Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Making the perfect strawberry banana bread is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure your loaf turns out moist and delicious every time.

• Use overripe bananas: Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making them ideal for baking.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid tough bread. A few lumps are okay!
• Adjust baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
• Cool before frosting: Let the bread cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

Strawberry banana bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal:

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the bread.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad enhances flavors and provides a light, healthy option.
3. Breakfast Sausages: Savory breakfast sausages offer a hearty contrast to sweet banana bread.
4. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits can create a wholesome breakfast spread.
5. Smoothie: Pairing with a berry smoothie can make for a delightful brunch combination.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds richness and variety to your breakfast table.
7. Granola: Crunchy granola can serve as an excellent topping or side, adding texture to your meal.
8. Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding provides healthy fats and fiber, making it an excellent complement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a delicious result.

• Using underripe bananas: Always choose overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Underripe ones may lead to a dense texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bread to cool before frosting is essential. Skipping this step can make the glaze runny and affect presentation.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can activate gluten, resulting in a tough loaf instead of a tender one.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking or burnt edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it cool and dry to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

• Wrap unfrosted bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this delightful Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before folding them into the batter.

How do I know when my Strawberry Banana Bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I add nuts to my Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the strawberries.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

If your bread is dense, it may be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to mix gently and measure accurately.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk instead of water.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe is not only easy but also versatile, perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize it by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple it is to create this delightful treat!