Delicious Gluten-Free Strawberry Banana Bread: Vegan & Easy One-Bowl Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delightful gluten-free strawberry banana bread, crafted with wholesome almond flour, hearty oats, and creamy almond butter. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, it’s a truly guilt-free treat!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? This past week, I experienced something truly special: my first in-person game night since the world changed way back in pre-COVID 2020. The simple joy of being together, physically present, was absolutely priceless. It was more than just a game night; it was a reunion.

When I opened my front door and saw my sister and cousin standing there, their smiles as wide as mine, I let out an involuntary squeal of pure delight. Over a year had passed since I’d seen them up close and in person. That moment felt special, surreal, wonderfully weird, and utterly heartwarming all at once. We may not have played any *actual* board games, but we certainly made up for lost time with plenty of hugs and shared laughter. And honestly, who needs Monopoly when you can have a cuddle puddle of pure familial affection?

That feeling of comfort and connection is exactly what inspired this Strawberry Banana Bread. Made effortlessly in just one bowl, this bread embodies coziness almost as perfectly as those long-awaited hugs. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of simple joys and comforting moments.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly thoughtful. It’s crafted to be vegan, gluten-free, and entirely free from refined sugars, relying instead on the natural sweetness of oats, almonds, and an abundance of fresh, ripe strawberries. Each slice offers a soft, moist texture and a burst of fruity flavor, making it a perfect anytime treat.

Strawberry Bread vs. Banana Bread: Why Combine the Best?

Strawberry bread always brings a wave of nostalgia for me, reminding me of long, lazy summer days growing up. My mom’s strawberry bread was legendary, a tradition I fondly recalled in my Strawberry Hemp Heart Muffins post. But today, I’m thrilled to share my own unique take on a fruit-filled quick bread – a recipe that combines the beloved flavors of both strawberry *and* banana into one harmonious loaf.

Traditionally, both strawberry bread and banana bread stand strong on their own. Banana bread, with its deep, comforting notes, and strawberry bread, with its bright, summery sweetness. I found myself musing, “What if we brought these two titans of the quick bread world together?” The result, if you ask me, is truly the best of both worlds, creating a flavor profile that’s familiar yet excitingly new. It’s truly “A Whole New World” of deliciousness, blending the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas with the vibrant tang of fresh strawberries. This fusion elevates a simple bread into something truly extraordinary, perfect for any occasion from breakfast to a delightful dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Banana Bread

Crafting this incredible Strawberry Banana Bread requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful, healthy treat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• **Flax eggs:** These act as an excellent vegan binder, replacing traditional eggs and adding a boost of omega-3s. Made simply from ground flaxseed and filtered water, they create a gelatinous mixture essential for the bread’s structure.
• **Ripe bananas:** The star of any banana bread! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are key for natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb. They provide most of the sugar and moisture in this recipe.
• **Almond butter:** This healthy fat source adds richness, depth of flavor, and extra moisture to the bread, complementing the almond flour beautifully. Choose a smooth, unsweetened variety for best results.
• **Eden Foods Organic Strawberry Applesauce:** A secret ingredient that replaces oil, providing natural sweetness and an irresistible strawberry essence without any added sugars.
• **Pure maple syrup:** For an extra touch of natural, refined-sugar-free sweetness that perfectly balances the fruit flavors.
• **Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats:** These contribute a lovely texture and a significant amount of fiber, making the bread more satisfying and nutritious.
• **Oat flour:** Creates a soft, tender structure for the bread while keeping it gluten-free. It’s easily made by blending rolled oats into a fine powder.
• **Superfine almond flour:** This provides a wonderfully light, moist texture and a delicate nutty flavor. It’s essential for achieving that perfect gluten-free crumb.
• **Baking powder:** The leavening agent that helps the bread rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• **Fresh strawberries, diced and tossed in oat flour:** Dicing ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the loaf, and tossing them in a little oat flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Plus, extra for topping!
• **Pecans:** These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the soft bread and juicy berries. You can also use walnuts or omit them if preferred.

That’s it! A pantry full of simple, natural ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.

Getting Started: Simple Steps for Your One-Bowl Strawberry Banana Bread

One of the best features of this Strawberry Banana Bread recipe is its sheer simplicity – it’s designed to be made easily in just one bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment!

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your bread pan. Lining it with parchment paper is a crucial step that ensures your beautiful loaf will lift out effortlessly after baking, preventing any sticking and making for a perfect presentation every time.

In a large mixing bowl – yes, just one! – combine the ground flaxseed with filtered water to create your flax eggs. Give them a quick stir and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This resting time is important as it allows the mixture to gel, forming a thick, egg-like consistency that will bind your bread ingredients together beautifully.

Once your flax eggs are ready, add in the mashed ripe bananas, the flavorful Eden Foods Organic Strawberry Applesauce, creamy almond butter, and pure maple syrup. Stir all these wet ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the wonderfully moist and naturally sweet foundation for your delicious bread.

The Magic of Eden Foods Organic Strawberry Applesauce

A key player in achieving the perfect texture and natural sweetness of this bread is Eden Foods Organic Strawberry Applesauce. In this recipe, it takes the place of traditional oils, allowing us to keep the bread lighter and naturally wholesome without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

This isn’t just any applesauce; it’s a premium ingredient. It’s incredibly flavorful and naturally sweet, boasting zero added sugars. Each jar contains a delightful blend of organic apple varieties, all sourced from Michigan. These apples are carefully cored, peeled, cooked, and then blended with pureed organic strawberries, also from northern Michigan family organic berry patches. This meticulous sourcing and preparation result in a subtly pink applesauce with a distinct, comforting strawberry flavor that beautifully complements the apples in every bite.

Beyond its role in this bread, this organic strawberry applesauce is a versatile kitchen staple. Enjoy it straight from the jar as a healthy and delicious snack, serve it as a simple, wholesome dessert, or use it as an ingredient in your other baking adventures. Its natural sweetness and rich moisture content are perfect for enhancing a variety of recipes. Here, it adds a mild, fruit-forward sweetness and ensures the bread remains incredibly moist, effectively eliminating the need for any added oils or unnecessary refined sugars. It truly is a remarkable ingredient that elevates the health profile and taste of this delightful quick bread.

Completing Your Strawberry Banana Bread: Mixing and Baking

Now that your wet ingredients are perfectly blended, it’s time to incorporate the dry components to bring your batter to life. Add the gluten-free rolled oats to the wet mixture. Then, carefully sift in the oat flour and baking powder. Sifting is an important step as it helps to aerate the flour, preventing lumps and ensuring a light, even texture in your finished bread. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and no dry clumps remain. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher bread texture. Mix just until combined.

Next, gently fold in your diced strawberries (remembering they were tossed in a little oat flour to prevent sinking) and the crunchy pecans. Use a spoon or spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures that every slice of bread will have a delightful mix of sweet strawberries and nutty pecans.

Pour the thick, fragrant bread batter into your prepared parchment paper-lined bread pan. Use a spatula to gently smooth off the top, creating an even surface. For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, you can add optional additional diced strawberries or a few extra pecan halves on top of the batter before baking. This not only makes for a gorgeous presentation but also adds a burst of fruit and nut goodness right on the crust.

Baking & Enjoying Your Perfect Loaf: Tips & Tricks

Now comes the best part: baking! Place your bread pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it – the top should turn a beautiful golden brown. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out cleanly or with only minimal, moist crumbs attached. You’ll know it’s truly ready when your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of warm banana and sweet berries – a tell-tale sign of a perfectly baked loaf!

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and resist the urge to slice it immediately! It’s crucial to let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. During this cooling period, the bread continues to set up and firm up, ensuring it holds its shape beautifully when sliced. Patience is key here for the best texture.

Because this bread is wonderfully fruit-forward and moist from the bananas and applesauce, it’s perfectly normal for it to be a bit gooey, especially when you encounter a juicy strawberry or soft banana chunk. This is part of its charm and indicates a perfectly tender crumb.

To keep your Strawberry Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer-term enjoyment, this bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm a slice in the microwave or oven. Serve warm with a dollop of vegan yogurt, a spread of almond butter, or simply on its own with a cup of coffee or tea.

Enjoy every delightful bite of this comforting and wholesome bread!

Explore More Vegan Bread Recipes

If you loved this Strawberry Banana Bread, you’re in for a treat! My kitchen is always baking up new and exciting vegan bread creations. Here are some more of my favorite recipes that I think you’ll adore. Each one offers unique flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for any time of day:

• Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread

• Orange Cranberry Bread

• Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

• Black Sesame Butter Banana Bread

• 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

• Blueberry Banana Breakfast Bread

• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread

• 1-Bowl Tahini Date Nut Bread

• Pumpkin Spice Bread

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Baking Adventures

Your feedback truly brightens my day and helps me continue creating delicious, wholesome recipes for you! If you decide to make this delightful Strawberry Banana Bread recipe, please let me know all about your experience!

Be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review right here on the blog. Your insights and opinions are invaluable, as I use your feedback to refine my recipes and create even more delicious “yums” that you’ll love.

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing your photos and hearing about how the recipes turn out in your kitchen!

For more plant-based inspiration and to save recipes for later, check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find this recipe and many others perfect for your next baking adventure.

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by Eden Foods, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!

Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen