Strawberry Banana Bread is the ultimate mashup of two adored flavors, bringing the fruity brightness of strawberries together with the classic comfort of ripe bananas, all wrapped up in a tender, sliceable loaf. Each bite is an absolute treat: soft and moist from the banana, dotted with bursts of juicy strawberry, and finished with a dreamy pink glaze that makes every slice look as good as it tastes. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether as a weekend bake, a lunchbox surprise, or just a delicious pick-me-up for your week!

Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Banana Bread comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a special role in creating that perfect crumb and signature fruity flavor. Don’t overlook any one item—they truly work in harmony for this crowd-pleasing treat.

Banana: Use an overripe banana—the browner, the better—since it gives incredible sweetness and moisture.
Eggs: Two large eggs give the bread structure and help everything bind together beautifully.
Water: Just a splash (¼ cup) keeps the loaf light and prevents it from becoming too dense.
Vanilla extract: Divided for batter and glaze, it brings a cozy aroma and depth to both components.
Vegetable oil: Its neutral flavor lets the fruit shine and ensures the loaf turns out extra tender.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a bit of structure without overwhelming the fruit.
Krusteaz Pancake Mix: This shortcut ingredient works wonders as the dry base—no need to fuss with flour and leaveners.
Chopped strawberries: Fresh strawberries add pops of tangy, juicy sweetness throughout the bread.
Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky-sweet glaze that marries all flavors together on top.
Strawberry extract: Just a hint makes the glaze extra fragrant and layered; totally worth it if you have some.
Heavy whipping cream: Gives the glaze its luxurious texture so it sets with a glossy finish.
Red food coloring: Optional, but a drop or two turns the glaze the prettiest strawberry-pink!

How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a flour-based nonstick spray or grease and flour the pan yourself. This helps your Strawberry Banana Bread slide out effortlessly, keeping that gorgeous crust intact. Trust me, it’s worth the tiny extra step!

Step 2: Mash the Banana

Grab your overripe banana and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to smash it until it’s mostly smooth with just a few tiny lumps. The riper the banana, the sweeter and easier it’ll be to mash, infusing the whole loaf with rich banana flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs, water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the mashed banana. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This ensures a uniform, moist texture throughout the bread.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Pancake Mix

Next, sprinkle the granulated sugar into your wet mixture, then add the Krusteaz Pancake Mix. Stir gently but thoroughly—just until you see no more streaks of dry mix. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf soft and tender!

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

This is the step where magic happens! Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to crush them too much. Distributing them evenly yields little pockets of fruit in every slice of Strawberry Banana Bread.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, checking near the end by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully removing it to cool completely on a rack. Resist frosting or slicing until it’s fully cooled; patience pays off!

Step 7: Whisk Up the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with ½ teaspoon vanilla, strawberry extract (if you have it), and 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream. Add more cream as needed for a drizzly but thick glaze. For that luscious pink hue, stir in 1-2 drops of red food coloring. Pour or drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf; it will form a delicate crust as it sets.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, top Strawberry Banana Bread with fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of chopped nuts like sliced almonds. These little touches not only make each slice look bakery-worthy but also add a bit of texture and freshness.

Side Dishes

This sweet loaf shines alongside tangy Greek yogurt, a fruit salad, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea. Strawberry Banana Bread makes for a dreamy brunch or a heartwarming snack—pair it with creamy spreads or a handful of berries for extra flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your loaf into a decadent dessert by serving thick slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For parties, try cutting the loaf into mini squares, glaze each one, and arrange on a platter for a bite-sized treat everyone will gravitate toward.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Strawberry Banana Bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and if you’ve glazed it, placing a piece of parchment between slices helps keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to keep some for later, freeze the unglazed loaf (or individual slices, wrapped well) for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw at room temperature, then add glaze if desired.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven until heated through. If serving from frozen, allow time to fully thaw before reheating or adding glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to keep the loaf from getting soggy. You may want to pat them dry and toss them with a little pancake mix to help distribute evenly.

What can I substitute for Krusteaz Pancake Mix?

If you don’t have Krusteaz on hand, try using any basic pancake mix or even a homemade blend of flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch of sugar. The texture may vary slightly but the bread will still be delicious.

Is the strawberry extract necessary in the glaze?

No, the glaze will still turn out tasty and sweet without it, but strawberry extract really amps up the fruit flavor and makes the glaze smell irresistible. If you love strawberry vibes, it’s worth seeking out.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips make fun mix-ins. Just fold them in with the strawberries for even distribution throughout your Strawberry Banana Bread.

How do I prevent my bread from sticking to the pan?

Using a nonstick spray that includes flour, or the old-fashioned method of greasing and flouring your loaf pan, will help the bread release easily after baking. Be gentle when removing it to keep those lovely edges intact!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a delightful baking adventure, give this Strawberry Banana Bread a try! Its sweet, fruity flavors and easy prep are sure to win hearts, whether you share it with family or savor a slice all to yourself. Happy baking—don’t forget to enjoy a taste while it’s still a bit warm!