Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread Recipe | Delicious Homemade Bread

| Servings: 12

Introduction

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread is a delicious and moist bread that combines the sweet flavors of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries with the crunch of walnuts. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of the day.

History

The combination of strawberries and bananas in baked goods has been a popular choice for many years. This recipe takes the classic banana bread to the next level by adding fresh strawberries and walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine
0.5 cup sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
0.5 cup plain (or strawberry) yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 medium bananas, enough for 1.25 cup mashed
8-12 large California strawberries, stemmed and mashed, enough for 0.75 cup
0.5 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 cups of flour

Sift Together

1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cornstarch
0.5 tsp salt
2 cups of flour

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease and lightly flour 6-6" x 4" bread pans or 2-9" x 9" cake pans.
In a large bowl, beat the butter at high speed until smooth.
Add the sugar and beat at high speed until fluffy.
Lower the speed and add the eggs, vanilla, and yogurt one at a time.
Allow the ingredients to blend completely.
Add the bananas and strawberries and mix until evenly blended.
Gradually add all the sifted ingredients to the mixture, 0.5 cup at a time, until completely blended.
Be careful not to overmix! Stir in the walnuts.
Pour the finished batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35–55 minutes.
The bread will be browned on top and will pull away from the sides of the pan when it's ready.
Place the pans on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before inverting them.

Variations

Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version of the bread.
Use different nuts such as pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.

- Mash the bananas and strawberries well to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread.

- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the butter and sugar until fluffy helps to incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.

- Gradually adding the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt for added protein.

Make Ahead Tips

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread on a decorative platter with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair a slice of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread is a good source of vitamin C from the strawberries and potassium from the bananas.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (margarine and yogurt), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread is a delicious and nutritious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread is a delightful and flavorful bread that is perfect for any occasion. With the sweet taste of ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy walnuts, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious treat!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread tucked away in an old cookbook I inherited from my own mother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories of the past flooded back to me, reminding me of the various places and people from whom I had learned to cook over the years.

My journey into the world of cooking began when I was just a young girl, watching my own grandmother prepare meals in her cozy kitchen. She had a natural talent for creating delicious dishes from scratch, using simple ingredients and no recipes. I was in awe of her abilities, and I knew that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

As I got older, I started experimenting with different recipes and techniques, drawing inspiration from cookbooks, cooking shows, and friends and family members who shared their own favorite dishes with me. Each new recipe I tried felt like a small victory, a step closer to mastering the art of cooking.

One summer, I spent a week at a friend's house in the countryside, where her mother taught me how to bake bread from scratch. I was amazed at how a few basic ingredients could come together to create something so delicious and comforting. I spent hours kneading the dough, waiting for it to rise, and finally baking it to perfection. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the house, and I knew that I had found my calling.

Years later, after my own children had grown up and moved out on their own, I found myself with more time on my hands and a renewed passion for cooking. I started revisiting old recipes and trying out new ones, constantly looking for ways to challenge myself and improve my skills in the kitchen.

It was during this time that I stumbled upon the recipe for Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread. The combination of sweet, ripe strawberries, creamy bananas, and crunchy nuts intrigued me, and I knew that I had to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients, cleared off my kitchen counter, and got to work.

The first step was to mash the bananas until they were smooth and creamy. I remembered my friend's mother showing me how to do this, using the back of a fork to break down the fruit into a thick, luscious paste. The aroma of ripe bananas filled the air, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I watched the fruit transform before my eyes.

Next, I chopped up the strawberries into small pieces, being careful to remove the stems and any blemishes. I added them to the banana mixture, along with a generous handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. The colors and textures of the ingredients mingled together, creating a beautiful mosaic of flavors that promised to delight the senses.

In a separate bowl, I whisked together the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt - before gently folding them into the wet mixture. The batter came together quickly, thick and lumpy with chunks of fruit and nuts scattered throughout. I poured it into a greased loaf pan, smoothed the top with a spatula, and popped it into the oven to bake.

As the bread baked, the kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of strawberries and bananas mingling with the rich, nutty aroma of toasted nuts. I watched through the oven door as the bread rose and turned golden brown, a testament to my patience and skill as a baker.

Finally, the timer beeped, and I carefully removed the loaf from the oven. It was perfect - golden brown and crusty on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, with juicy strawberries and crunchy nuts peeking out from every slice. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a warm, buttered slice of Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread, a labor of love and a testament to my years of cooking experience.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I reflected on the journey that had brought me to this moment - the countless hours spent in the kitchen, the lessons learned from friends and family, the joy of creating something delicious and nourishing with my own two hands. Cooking had always been more than just a hobby for me - it was a way of connecting with the past, of sharing memories and traditions with loved ones, of expressing my creativity and passion for good food.

And as I savored each bite of that delectable Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread, I knew that I had found my true calling in life - to cook, to create, and to share the fruits of my labor with those I love.