I can’t wait to share this delicious blueberry banana bread recipe with you! It’s one of my go-to treats, and I know it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. The total time, including prep, is approximately 75 minutes. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
This isn’t just any bread; it’s a slice of happiness!
- It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have.
- The texture is perfectly moist, never dry.
- It’s bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat.
- 2 cups all purpose flour (+ 1 tablespoon to coat the blueberries)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vanilla or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (plus more for the top of the bread (can substitute frozen although bread may be streaked blue))
- Cooking spray
Remember to use ripe, but not overripe, bananas for the best flavor and texture.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm loaf of blueberry banana bread in no time!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well blended (about 1 minute).
- Add mashed banana, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist.
- Place the blueberries in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of flour and toss to coat.
- Gently fold blueberries into the batter. Spoon batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Press additional blueberries into the top of the batter for decoration.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the bread 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove the bread from pan.
- Cool completely on wire rack.
Clara’s Recipe Tips for Perfect Blueberry Banana Bread
I want to share a few tips that I’ve learned over the years to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.
First, tossing the blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter is crucial, because it prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
To tell when the bread is done, insert a wooden pick into the center; it should come out clean. If it doesn’t, bake for a few more minutes and check again. The top of the bread should also be golden brown.
For the best results, mash the bananas until they are smooth with no large lumps. I like to use a fork or a potato masher for this. You can also use a mixer, but be careful not to overmix.
I developed this recipe because I wanted a quick, easy, and delicious way to use up ripe bananas, and after lots of testing, I nailed it. I tweaked the ingredients and baking times until I achieved the perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are a few substitutions that work well.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt | Sour Cream or Buttermilk | May slightly alter the tang and moisture. |
| All-Purpose Flour | Whole Wheat Flour (partially) | Use up to half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. |
| Butter | Coconut Oil | Will impart a slight coconut flavor. |
Blueberry Banana Bread Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try!
- Chocolate Chip Blueberry Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Walnut Blueberry Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spice Variations: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
For dietary variations:
- Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Bread: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Lower-Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread: Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
Storage Instructions
To keep your blueberry banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
High Altitude Baking Adjustments
Baking at high altitude can be tricky. Here are a few adjustments to ensure your bread turns out perfectly:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Increase the amount of liquid by 1 tablespoon.
- Increase the oven temperature by 25 degrees F.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I get asked about blueberry banana bread.
- Is blueberry banana bread healthy? While it contains fruit, it’s still a treat. Enjoy in moderation!
- Are frozen blueberries just as good as fresh? Yes, they work great, but your bread may be streaked blue.
- How many calories are in a handful of blueberries? A handful (about 1/2 cup) has around 40 calories.
- What are some blueberry benefits? Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe? Yes, but it might affect the texture.
- How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan? Make sure to grease your pan well with cooking spray.
The Ultimate Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well blended (about 1 minute).
- Add mashed banana, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist.
- Place the blueberries in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of flour and toss to coat.
- Gently fold blueberries into the batter. Spoon batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Press additional blueberries into the top of the batter for decoration.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the bread 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove the bread from pan.
- Cool completely on wire rack.
Notes
Conclusion
I hope you love this blueberry banana bread recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, delicious way to bring a little joy into your kitchen. Now, it’s your turn to get baking! Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment, ask a question, or share your results. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy baking!
