Why Make This Recipe
Blueberry Banana Bread is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of two favorite fruits. The sweetness from ripe bananas combined with the burst of fresh blueberries makes this bread perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas! Whether you are cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this bread is sure to impress.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, place the granulated sugar and softened butter. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well blended (about 1 minute).
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla to the large bowl. Beat until blended.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat at low speed just until the mixture is moist.
- In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to coat them.
- Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.
- Spoon the batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan that is 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 the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread for 10 minutes in the pan on a wire rack; then remove the bread from the pan.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
How to Serve Blueberry Banana Bread
This Blueberry Banana Bread is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can slice it up and serve it plain or spread with a little butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a yummy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
How to Store Blueberry Banana Bread
To store Blueberry Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, just thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave.
Tips to Make Blueberry Banana Bread
- Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients; this will keep your bread nice and tender.
- If you want a bit more crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- For enhanced blueberry flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest into the mixture!
Variation
You can experiment with this recipe by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a different flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones. Just be aware that they may cause the batter to streak with blue.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also spring back slightly when pressed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based yogurt and butter alternative.