Strawberry Banana Bread

This Strawberry Banana Bread is the ultimate treat, blending the classic flavors of banana bread with the freshness of strawberries. The moist texture of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the sweet burst of juicy strawberries, creating a loaf that’s tender and flavorful. The addition of a fresh strawberry glaze on top brings extra sweetness and a pop of color, making it an irresistible dessert or snack. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this bread is best enjoyed fresh but also freezes wonderfully for later indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1/2 cup (8 oz) butter, melted and cooled

• 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 egg

• 2 medium bananas, mashed (¾ cup)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries, tossed in 3 tablespoons flour

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons strawberries, mashed

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), egg, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder on top of the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Gently fold in the diced strawberries that have been tossed in flour. The batter will be thick.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl or plastic resealable bag, mash the fresh strawberries into a puree. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.

7. Allow the bread to cool for 20-30 minutes before drizzling the strawberry glaze over the top. This ensures the glaze won’t melt into the bread.

8. Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Value (per slice)

• Calories: 358 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 62g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 34mg

• Sodium: 133mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 39g

Why You Should Try Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread offers a delicious and unique twist on the classic banana bread recipe. The combination of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries creates a flavorful loaf that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, preparing a sweet breakfast, or looking for a delightful snack, this bread offers a moist, tender texture with a burst of fruity sweetness. The addition of a strawberry glaze enhances the flavor profile, adding a subtle tang and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the bread’s natural flavors.

The Benefits of Adding Strawberries to Banana Bread

Banana bread is beloved for its rich, moist texture and comforting flavor, but adding strawberries to the mix takes the recipe to another level. Strawberries bring a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of bananas. Additionally, strawberries add a pop of color to the loaf, making it even more visually appealing. They also contribute to the bread’s moisture, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.

Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your baking. High in Vitamin C, they help boost the immune system and support healthy skin. Their fiber content also aids digestion, making strawberry banana bread not only delicious but beneficial to your health. Adding fresh strawberries to your bread recipe is an easy way to incorporate more fruit into your diet.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the great things about Strawberry Banana Bread is its versatility. It can be served at any time of day, whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, serving it as a dessert at a gathering, or offering it as a snack for your family. Here are just a few occasions where Strawberry Banana Bread would be the perfect addition:

1. Brunch: Serve this bread as part of a brunch spread. Pair it with other light offerings like yogurt, fresh fruit, and coffee for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

2. Afternoon Snack: Strawberry Banana Bread makes for a satisfying and healthy snack. With the natural sweetness from the bananas and strawberries, you don’t need additional sugar to make it crave-worthy.

3. Holiday Treats: This bread is a great option for holiday baking. It’s easy to make in large batches, and the sweet fruit flavors make it a festive addition to any holiday spread.

4. Gifts: If you’re looking for a homemade gift, a loaf of Strawberry Banana Bread wrapped in parchment paper with a cute ribbon is a thoughtful and personal present that will be appreciated by anyone.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Bread Even Better

While the basic recipe for Strawberry Banana Bread is already delicious, there are a few tweaks you can make to elevate the flavor even further. Here are some suggestions to take your bread to the next level:

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The key to a rich, sweet banana flavor in banana bread is to use overripe bananas. Bananas with dark spots and a soft texture are perfect for baking because they are naturally sweeter and more flavorful.

2. Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like a little crunch in your banana bread, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. Nuts pair wonderfully with the soft texture of the bananas and the sweetness of the strawberries.

3. Incorporate Spices: For added warmth, consider adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger to the batter. These spices complement the flavors of both the bananas and strawberries and bring a cozy, comforting aroma to your kitchen.

4. Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly healthier twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add some additional fiber and nutrients to your bread without sacrificing too much of the texture.

5. Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen strawberries can be a good alternative. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using them in your recipe to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Storing and Freezing Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it also stores well and can be frozen for later use. Here are a few tips for storing and freezing your bread:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, simply store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly hot or humid environment, it may be best to refrigerate it to keep it from spoiling too quickly.

2. Freezing: To freeze Strawberry Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat individual slices in the microwave or toaster for a warm, fresh taste.

3. Serving Tips After Freezing: When thawing the bread, you can add an extra touch by warming slices in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This will make the bread soft and give it that “freshly baked” feel, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Information

Strawberry Banana Bread provides a good balance of macronutrients, but like most baked goods, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. A single slice of this bread contains around 358 calories, which makes it a satisfying snack or dessert. The 62g of carbohydrates provide energy, while the 16g of fat contribute to the bread’s moist texture. The inclusion of bananas and strawberries boosts the fiber content, making this bread a slightly healthier option compared to other cakes and pastries.

The bread also contains 39g of sugar, primarily from the natural sugars in the bananas and strawberries, but keep in mind that some recipes for banana bread may call for added sugars like brown sugar or granulated white sugar. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can try substituting a portion of the sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, though this may alter the texture slightly.

For those who are conscious of their saturated fat intake, it’s worth noting that the bread contains 9g of saturated fat, which comes from the butter. To reduce the saturated fat content, you could experiment with replacing some of the butter with a healthier fat, such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Bread is a delectable treat that combines the classic appeal of banana bread with the vibrant, fresh flavor of strawberries. It’s a simple yet versatile recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or making it as a snack for your family, this bread is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and fruity.

With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a recipe that anyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers, can enjoy making. The additional strawberry glaze adds a touch of sweetness and flair, turning an everyday banana bread into something truly special. Whether you keep it simple or experiment with some extra ingredients, Strawberry Banana Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious, homemade treat that combines the flavors of two beloved fruits in one perfect loaf. Your taste buds will thank you!