The sweet aroma of freshly baked bananas and strawberries fills the kitchen with nostalgic comfort. This Strawberry Banana Bread is the ultimate twist on a classic – perfectly moist, with pops of fresh berry sweetness in every bite.
Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast slice, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this loaf delivers on both flavor and texture. It’s a simple, one-bowl recipe that makes great use of overripe bananas and seasonal strawberries. Ideal for brunch tables or gifting to loved ones, this bread is bound to become a repeat favorite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup diced fresh strawberries
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing with strawberries)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth.
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Add the sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
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In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Toss diced strawberries in 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60–75 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Why Strawberry Banana Bread Is a Must-Try
Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infusing it with juicy pops of fresh strawberries that elevate both the flavor and the visual appeal. It’s a beautiful combination of sweet, soft bananas and slightly tart strawberries that come together in a tender, moist loaf. What makes this bread so popular is its ability to be served at any time of day – whether as a cozy breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a light dessert.
Banana bread has always been a staple in many households because it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and avoid food waste. The strawberries add a refreshing contrast, transforming this into a more vibrant and summer-ready version. Their bright red color also brings a visual charm that makes this loaf perfect for sharing at brunches, gatherings, or picnics.
The Appeal of Moist Quick Breads
One of the most appreciated qualities of this strawberry banana bread is its incredibly moist texture. This comes from the combination of ripe bananas, a touch of sour cream, and the right ratio of fat and sugar. The resulting crumb is soft without being overly dense, with just enough structure to hold together without crumbling apart.
Unlike some quick breads that can be dry or bland, this version remains moist for days after baking, which makes it ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, or gifting. The strawberries naturally release a bit of juice during baking, helping to keep everything tender and flavorful without turning soggy.
Perfect for Beginner and Experienced Bakers Alike
This recipe is also highly approachable for bakers at all levels. It requires no mixer – just a few bowls, a spoon, and a loaf pan. It’s a one-bowl base recipe that comes together quickly, which is ideal for those who want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Because the ingredient list is flexible and forgiving, it allows room for minor substitutions based on what’s available in your pantry. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or even try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. This adaptability is what makes it a favorite in many kitchens.
The Role of Fresh Strawberries
Adding strawberries to banana bread isn’t just about color – it adds a juicy, sweet-tart complexity that cuts through the sweetness of bananas and sugar. It makes the bread more dynamic in flavor, with little bursts of berry goodness in every bite. Strawberries also add moisture and a soft texture contrast, especially when lightly tossed in flour before folding into the batter – this ensures they don’t sink to the bottom and distribute evenly throughout.
Using fresh strawberries is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen strawberries can also work. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the final texture.
Tips for Success and Customization Ideas
To ensure your strawberry banana bread turns out perfect every time, a few tips can go a long way. First, use very ripe bananas – the kind with brown speckles or even full black skins. These are the sweetest and softest, and they blend seamlessly into the batter. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter. Overmixing can lead to dense or rubbery bread because it develops too much gluten.
For customization, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little spice. A crumble topping made from oats, sugar, and butter can give a bakery-style finish. You could even swirl in a bit of cream cheese filling or peanut butter to take it to a whole new level.
Want it dairy-free? Swap out the sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free? Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour mix. It’s a very forgiving recipe that still shines with minor tweaks.
Storage and Freezing
One of the best things about strawberry banana bread is that it stores beautifully. After baking, let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will keep on the counter for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces wrapped in parchment and placed in a freezer bag. This way, you can defrost a slice at a time – perfect for busy mornings or a quick afternoon snack. A quick 20–30 seconds in the microwave brings it right back to life.
Pairings and Serving Ideas
This bread stands perfectly on its own, but it’s also versatile enough to serve in different ways. Try toasting a slice and spreading a little butter or cream cheese on top for a rich breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, especially fruity herbal teas or nutty coffee blends.
For dessert, you could serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra fresh strawberries on top. During the summer, it makes an excellent base for strawberry shortcake-style stacks – just layer slices with whipped cream and extra berries.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Because this loaf blends the comforting familiarity of banana bread with the freshness of strawberries, it appeals to both traditional and adventurous eaters. It’s also an excellent option for potlucks, bake sales, and holiday brunches. The aroma while baking is irresistible – the scent of caramelizing bananas, warm sugar, and juicy strawberries fills the home with pure comfort.
It’s also a conversation starter. While banana bread is familiar, adding strawberries makes people pause and ask, “What’s in this? It’s so good!” It adds a creative twist without veering too far from the original classic.
Conclusion
Strawberry Banana Bread is the perfect balance of tradition and creativity. It uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something that feels indulgent and special. Whether you’re making it to use up overripe bananas, celebrate fresh summer strawberries, or simply bake something delicious without much effort, this recipe delivers every time.
Its soft texture, fruity bursts, and rich banana flavor make it suitable for all ages and any time of day. It’s reliable, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who tries it. Keep this recipe in your regular baking rotation – once you’ve tasted this loaf, plain banana bread just won’t be the same again.