Strawberry Banana Bread is a soft, moist, and flavorful quick bread that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with juicy bursts of fresh strawberries. This easy homemade dessert is perfect when you want something comforting, fruity, and simple to bake without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

This Strawberry Banana Bread recipe is especially appealing because it uses pancake mix, making it incredibly beginner-friendly while still delivering bakery-style results. The banana keeps the bread tender, the strawberries add fresh flavor and color, and the light strawberry glaze on top adds a sweet finishing touch that makes this loaf feel extra special.

Whether you are baking for breakfast, dessert, or a casual get-together, Strawberry Banana Bread is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that tastes just as good the next day. It is a wonderful way to use overripe bananas and fresh strawberries in one simple baking recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Banana Bread is easy to make with minimal prep and simple ingredients. It is a no-fail recipe that turns out moist and flavorful every time. This bread is budget-friendly and perfect for using pantry staples. It is family-approved and loved by kids and adults alike. The recipe is versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The optional glaze adds bakery-style appeal without extra effort.

This is the kind of quick dessert recipe you will come back to again and again.

About the Ingredients

Banana is the foundation of this recipe. An overripe banana adds natural sweetness, moisture, and structure, helping the bread stay soft and tender.

Eggs provide structure and stability while helping the bread rise properly.

Water helps loosen the batter and keeps the texture light without making it heavy.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and pairs beautifully with both banana and strawberry.

Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist for days and creates a soft crumb that does not dry out quickly.

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and balances the natural fruit flavors.

Krusteaz Pancake Mix simplifies the baking process by combining flour, leavening, and salt in one ingredient, making this recipe especially easy and beginner-friendly.

Fresh strawberries add juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness. Chopping them evenly helps distribute them throughout the loaf.

Powdered sugar forms the base of the glaze, creating a smooth, sweet topping.

Strawberry extract intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze and is optional but recommended.

Heavy whipping cream gives the glaze richness and helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.

Red food coloring is optional and used only to enhance the visual appeal of the glaze.

Tips & Tricks

Use a very ripe banana for the best flavor and texture. Chop strawberries into small, even pieces to prevent sinking. Gently fold the strawberries into the batter to avoid crushing them. Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting. Use baking spray with flour or grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

These baking tips help ensure consistent results every time you make Strawberry Banana Bread.

Pro Tips

Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture. Do not overmix the batter once the pancake mix is added, as this can make the bread dense. Check for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf. Add extra glaze for a sweeter dessert-style finish. For clean slices, chill the bread slightly before cutting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray or by greasing and flouring the pan.

Place the banana in a large mixing bowl and mash until smooth.

Add the eggs, water, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir until fully combined.

Mix in the granulated sugar, then add the pancake mix and stir just until incorporated.

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, remaining vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. The glaze will form a light crust as it sets.

Variations

For a healthier version, use reduced-sugar pancake mix and skip the glaze. Add chocolate chips for a strawberry banana chocolate twist. Substitute blueberries for strawberries for a different fruit flavor. Use Greek yogurt instead of water for added richness. Make muffins instead of a loaf by adjusting the baking time.

These easy dessert twists make Strawberry Banana Bread customizable for any occasion.

How to Store Strawberry Banana Bread

Store Strawberry Banana Bread covered at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted loaf tightly wrapped for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can dry out the bread.

This recipe is ideal for make-ahead baking and freezer-friendly desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Banana Bread ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.

What can I substitute for pancake mix?
A homemade mix of flour, baking powder, and salt can be used if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream alternative in the glaze or skip it entirely.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Overmixing or underbaking can cause sinking. Be sure to test for doneness.