Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe: A Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Twist on Classic Banana Bread 🍌🫐
Banana bread is a beloved classic, but if you’re looking to take it up a notch, try this Blueberry Banana Bread recipe. Combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the burst of juicy blueberries, this bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s a simple recipe, but it brings a fun twist that everyone will love!
In this article, I’ll walk you through the easy-to-follow steps to make this delicious bread, including tips, serving suggestions, and how to store leftovers. Plus, I’ll share its health benefits and provide a helpful nutritional breakdown for each serving. Let’s get started!
Ingredients 🍴
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 2 large |
| Blueberries (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Cinnamon (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter (unsalted) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Buttermilk (or regular milk) | 1/4 cup |
Time & Servings ⏰🍽
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 55-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | 8-10 slices |
Recipe Instructions 👨🍳
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps, as they add texture to the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Make sure the ingredients are well distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until everything is combined.
Step 6: Add the Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, you can toss them with a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few crumbs). If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your warm, homemade blueberry banana bread!
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect 💡
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and will give the bread more flavor.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk will work fine. You can also make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread. Stir the ingredients gently and just until combined for a lighter texture.
How to Serve 🍽
This Blueberry Banana Bread can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven, or at room temperature. Serve it as a quick breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or slice it up for an afternoon snack. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread or as a dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes 📝
- Storage: Store your leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh for a longer time, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: If you have extra bread, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Baking Time Variations: Oven temperatures vary, so check the bread around the 50-minute mark. If it’s not done, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
Health Benefits 🍏
This Blueberry Banana Bread not only tastes amazing, but it also has some health benefits:
- Bananas are rich in potassium, which is great for heart health and helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids in your body.
- Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. They are also great for brain health and improving memory.
- Whole grain flour (if you choose it) provides more fiber than regular white flour, making the bread a bit healthier.
Of course, like most baked goods, it’s a treat, so enjoy in moderation!
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Kitchen Tools Needed 🛠
- Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar (optional, you can use a whisk).
- Spatula: For gently folding in blueberries and mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
FAQ’s 🤔
Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent color bleeding.
Q2: Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the texture.
Q3: Can I add other fruits or nuts?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even other berries such as raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist.
Q4: How can I make the bread sweeter?
A: If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add a bit more sugar, or even drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top once it’s baked.
Q5: Can I use this recipe to make muffins?
A: Yes! Just adjust the baking time. Muffins will bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check them with a toothpick to see if they’re done.
Final Thoughts 🌟
This Blueberry Banana Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, the combination of bananas and blueberries creates a moist, flavorful bread that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas!
