There is something so wonderfully comforting about a fresh loaf of Strawberry Banana Quick Bread straight from the oven. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries with a tender crumb that’s generously spiced and perfectly moist. It’s a quick and easy bread that brings vibrant color, lush flavor, and a heartwarming aroma to your kitchen. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet ending to your day, this Strawberry Banana Quick Bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Strawberry Banana Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Strawberry Banana Quick Bread lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the hearty whole wheat flour providing wholesome texture, to the fragrant spices adding depth, and of course the fresh fruit lending natural sweetness and moisture that keep every bite irresistibly tender.

Whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of extra fiber, giving the bread hearty texture.
All-purpose flour: Balances the whole wheat flour to keep the bread light and soft.
Baking powder: Provides the necessary lift for the quick bread to rise beautifully.
Cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy notes that perfectly complement both bananas and strawberries.
Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of spice that enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a slight molasses undertone, enriching the flavor and color.
Unsalted butter: Contributes moisture and richness, making the bread tender and flavorful.
Milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the quick bread.
Sliced strawberries: Fresh fruit pieces folded into the batter add bursts of juicy sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.
Overripe bananas: The star of the show—ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a creamy texture that makes the bread irresistibly soft.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature ensures your quick bread will bake evenly, developing a lovely golden crust. Then, generously spray your loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray so the bread releases effortlessly once baked. Setting up your workspace like this makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices and leavening agents will infuse every bite with flavor and a perfect rise. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This aeration adds volume to your bread and starts building that tender crumb we all love. A beautifully creamed butter and sugar mix also ensures the sugar dissolves well, preventing any gritty texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

To your creamed butter and sugar, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then pour in the milk and mix until everything is combined smoothly. This step creates a rich, velvety base for the bread, balancing moisture and structure.

Step 5: Incorporate Mashed Bananas

Mash your overripe bananas with a fork in a small bowl until smooth. Then fold these vibrant, sweet mashed bananas directly into the wet mixture. Bananas bring both natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring your bread isn’t dry and has that signature tender crumb.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing your dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined—try not to overmix, or your bread might turn out dense. The goal here is a tender but slightly textured batter, ready to be dotted with fresh strawberries.

Step 7: Fold in Sliced Strawberries

Carefully fold in one cup of sliced strawberries. These little gems add vibrant bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely contrast in texture. Be gentle here so you don’t crush the strawberries too much and turn the batter pink.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then sprinkle the remaining sliced strawberries over the surface for a beautiful finish and extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes—until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread will rise and turn a beautiful golden color, with those strawberry slices on top slightly caramelizing.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key to letting the bread set properly so your slices come out neat and hold their shape beautifully. Once cooled, slice with a serrated bread knife and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Quick Bread

Garnishes

Topping your Strawberry Banana Quick Bread with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates presentation and adds a fresh flavor pop. For an indulgent touch, a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey complements the bread’s natural sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For a balanced snack, consider serving alongside a small bowl of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts to add some protein and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, slice the bread thickly and arrange on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream for a festive touch. You can also turn it into a decadent dessert by serving toasted slices topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. The versatility of this quick bread allows you to get really creative in your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Banana Quick Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrapping the slices individually in plastic wrap also helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

This quick bread freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for busy days ahead. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. You can also freeze individual slices in zip-top bags for easy thaw-and-go portions. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave. A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave softens the bread nicely, or pop it in a toaster oven for a slight crisp on the edges. Warm Strawberry Banana Quick Bread tastes fresh and just out of the oven, making it an unbeatable treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and texture better in the bread. However, if you only have frozen on hand, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy.

What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?

You can substitute with all-purpose flour alone, but the bread will be lighter and less hearty. Whole wheat flour gives a nice nutty flavor and adds fiber, so it’s recommended if you want that classic wholesome texture.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! The batter works perfectly for muffins. Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking frequently with a toothpick for doneness. Muffins make excellent single-serve treats.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe—dark brown spots or almost fully brown skin. That’s when their natural sugars are sweetest and their texture is perfect for moistening the bread.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while mini chocolate chips bring another layer of sweetness. Fold in about ½ cup of your chosen add-ins along with the strawberries for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for this Strawberry Banana Quick Bread. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in loaf form—simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a casual snack, or a special occasion, this bread will win hearts and satisfy cravings. Go ahead, grab those ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, and give it a try today—you’ll be so glad you did!

Strawberry Banana Quick Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Strawberry Banana Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the fresh taste of strawberries. Made with a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with fresh berries, it makes a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this bread is both wholesome and delicious.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to ensure your bread won’t stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and brown sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Milk and Eggs: Beat the milk and eggs into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth wet batter base.
Mash Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the overripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth and creamy to add moisture and natural sweetness.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and stir gently to blend into the batter.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of sliced strawberries, taking care not to break them up too much or overmix, which can affect the texture.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly top with the remaining ⅓ cup of sliced strawberries for a fresh, attractive topping.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling the bread is fully baked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice with a bread knife and enjoy your quick bread fresh or toasted.

Notes

The overripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture – the riper, the better.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
Fresh strawberries in the batter add bursts of flavor and color.
You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Quick Bread, Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of the loaf)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Strawberry banana bread, quick bread recipe, healthy banana bread, whole wheat bread, fruit bread, breakfast bread