If you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly blends sweetness with a burst of fruity freshness, this Blueberry Banana Bread is the answer.
It combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the tangy juiciness of blueberries, creating a loaf that’s as moist as it is flavorful.
Whether you’re serving it as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-dinner dessert, this bread is a versatile treat that suits any occasion.
The aroma of bananas and blueberries baking together is absolutely irresistible, filling your kitchen with a warm and inviting scent.
What makes this bread even better is how simple it is to prepare, using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Get ready to bake a loaf that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite!
Why Blueberry Banana Bread is Irresistible
This delightful recipe stands out for many reasons:
- A Perfect Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the slightly tart burst of blueberries, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the bananas and blueberries, every bite of this bread is soft, tender, and packed with fruity goodness.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Bananas provide potassium and fiber, while blueberries are rich in antioxidants, making this a wholesome treat.
- Customizable Recipe: Add a touch of cinnamon, a handful of nuts, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect addition to lunchboxes or brunch tables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this delicious bread:
Main Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: Use 3 large bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Blueberries: 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a juicy, tangy twist.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for the bread’s base; can be substituted with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if needed.
- Sugar: ½ cup of granulated or brown sugar for sweetness. Adjust based on your preference.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs to bind the ingredients.
Supporting Ingredients
- Butter or Oil: ½ cup of melted butter or neutral oil for richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon for leavening and a light texture.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance the sweetness and highlight the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy note.
Each ingredient plays a role in making this loaf perfectly moist, flavorful, and satisfying. Let’s move on to how to bring it all together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Leave a few small chunks if you like a bit of texture in your bread.
- Wash and Dry the Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry. If frozen, use them straight from the freezer to prevent excess moisture.
Mixing the Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add melted butter (or oil), eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in the Blueberries: Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom, then gently fold them into the batter.
Baking the Bread
- Transfer to the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Blueberry Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Prevent Soggy Blueberries: Toss blueberries in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking or releasing too much moisture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Customize to Taste: Add nuts, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips to make the bread uniquely yours.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread around the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
- Store Correctly: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Slice the bread, wrap the slices individually, and freeze them for quick and convenient snacks.
These steps and tips ensure your Blueberry Banana Bread is always moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (based on a standard loaf sliced into 10 pieces):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Potassium: 150mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Banana Bread recipe combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the fresh, tangy burst of blueberries, creating a treat that’s hard to resist.
It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special gathering, this loaf will always impress.
Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins like nuts or spices to make it your own! Now, it’s your turn—grab those ripe bananas and blueberries and start baking your perfect loaf.
We’d love to hear how your bread turned out.
Share your experience, tips, or even a photo in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent excess moisture in the batter. - How do I keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended during baking. - Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure. - How long does this bread stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. - Can I freeze Blueberry Banana Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes beautifully. Slice it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw individual slices as needed for a quick snack or breakfast.
Blueberry Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 9×5-inch Loaf Pan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- whisk
- Spatula
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup 120ml melted butter or neutral oil
- ½ cup 100g granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 cup 150g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for coating the blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, rinse and dry them. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking in the batter.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Leave small chunks if you prefer a bit of texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Frozen blueberries don’t need to be thawed; add them directly to the batter.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.