Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe: Moist Loaf with Fresh Fruit

This Strawberry Banana Bread is tender, moist, and full of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. It’s a simple, satisfying way to use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, made with everyday pantry ingredients. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a quick treat any time of day.

sliced banana bread made with chocolate chips and fresh strawberries on a cutting board.

Banana bread is one of those recipes I make automatically when I find soft, spotty bananas on the counter. It’s forgiving and adaptable. One day I had fresh strawberries that needed using, so I folded them into the batter and the result was a simple but delicious upgrade. My kids also like it with chocolate chips folded in for extra indulgence, though those are optional.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

55 mins

Key Ingredients

Below are the main ingredients used in this chocolate chip strawberry banana bread. Full measurements are in the recipe card further down.

ingredients for strawberry banana bread.

Bananas: Use very ripe bananas. You want about 1 cup mashed (roughly 3 large bananas).
Fat: Unsalted butter (melted) or neutral oil like coconut oil.
Egg: One large egg as a binder; any egg substitute can work.
Greek yogurt: Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt adds moisture and tang; plant-based yogurt can be substituted.
Sugar: Brown sugar or cane sugar—adjust sweetness to taste.
Pantry staples: Baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal; whole wheat or gluten-free blends can also be used.
Strawberries: Fresh is best. Avoid frozen unless thawed and well drained.
Optional: Chocolate chips for extra richness.

Recipe Tips

Use very ripe bananas: Darker, softer bananas yield a sweeter, more flavorful bread.
Pat strawberries dry: Excess moisture can make the crumb dense; dice and gently pat dry.
Do not overmix: Stir until ingredients are combined; overmixing makes the crumb tough.
Toss strawberries in a little flour: This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
Check for doneness: Ovens vary—insert a toothpick into the center and bake until it comes out mostly clean.

How To Make Strawberry Banana Bread

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

Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas and whisk in the melted butter or oil, the egg, Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

process shot to make the batter for strawberry banana bread.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet and dry: Fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Add strawberries and optional chocolate chips: Fold in the chopped, lightly dried strawberries and chocolate chips if using.

process shot to ad in the strawberries and chocolate chip, then add to pan and bake.

Transfer to the pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and, if desired, top with a few extra chocolate chips and sliced strawberries.

Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10–15 minutes.

Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

sliced strawberry banana bread with chocolate chips.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but fresh works best. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly and drain the fruit well so it doesn’t add too much liquid to the batter.

How should I store it?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions.

Can I freeze it?

Yes — slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Dense bread is usually the result of overmixing the batter or adding too many wet ingredients, such as un-drained frozen berries.