If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in bread form, my Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender banana bread studded with juicy bursts of blueberries in every bite. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and blueberries with a subtle cinnamon touch, creating a loaf that’s as charming as it is delicious. Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert, this bread feels like a little slice of sunshine that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture of your Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe. From the rich mashed bananas to the gentle rise given by baking powder and baking soda, these components come together beautifully to create that perfect loaf.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings subtle caramel notes for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm vanilla undertones.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Combines with the acidity for lightness and tenderness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy, warming spice that pairs perfectly with bananas and blueberries.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and gives it a slight tang.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen): Bursts of fruity juiciness throughout the batter.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries): Prevents berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
The first step sets you up for success by making sure your oven is ready at 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out effortlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy—that natural sweetness is going to shine here. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. Your batter should start to look glossy and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This mixture ensures your bread will have a lovely rise and a depth of flavor with just that hint of warm spice.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Add your dry mix gradually to the wet mix and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—gentle folding is key to a tender crumb without toughness.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream or Yogurt
Now, add sour cream or plain yogurt to the batter. This addition keeps your bread incredibly moist and offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Step 6: Toss and Fold in the Blueberries
Give your blueberries a light dusting of the extra tablespoon of flour—this little trick keeps them wonderfully dispersed rather than sinking to the bottom. Gently fold the berries into the batter to keep them whole and juicy.
Step 7: Pour and Even Out the Batter
Transfer your luscious batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. This helps the bread bake uniformly and prevents a messy top crust.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts browning too fast, tent it with foil to keep it beautifully golden without burning.
Step 9: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack until completely cool. This step is important for clean slices and that perfect texture we’re all after.
How to Serve Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey on a warm slice elevates the flavors effortlessly. For a fresh take, try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Blueberry Banana Bread with a simple cup of hot coffee or your favorite tea to create a relaxing breakfast or snack moment. For a fuller spread, add some fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Trim the loaf into pretty mini slices for sharing at brunch or pack a slice with nut butter and banana slices for a decadent lunchbox treat. Toast it lightly and top with cream cheese and fresh blueberries for a sweet twist on a classic snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Refrigeration isn’t necessary unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it before freezing, then wrap slices individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep its flavor and moisture for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, toast individual slices lightly or microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives the softness and brings out the wonderful aromas once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure not to thaw them before folding into the batter. Tossing frozen berries in flour helps prevent them from sinking and keeps the batter from turning blue.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect—they add maximum sweetness and moisture that make the bread tender and flavorful.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain yogurt works perfectly in place of sour cream. Both add moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Is it okay to omit cinnamon?
Definitely. Cinnamon is optional and adds a warm spice note, but the bread is delicious without it if you prefer a pure fruit flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to it, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your baking routine, the Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe is a joyous discovery that feels both homemade and special. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that first warm slice with someone you love!
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Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Banana Bread recipe combines ripe bananas and fresh or frozen blueberries to create a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. The addition of sour cream adds extra tenderness, while cinnamon adds a warm spice note. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this bread bakes to a golden perfection with bursts of juicy berries in every slice.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing blueberries)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all wet ingredients are well combined into a uniform mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually introduce the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Add sour cream or yogurt: Fold in the sour cream or yogurt to the batter, blending until the batter achieves a smooth, moist consistency that helps keep the bread tender.
- Toss the blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the fresh or frozen blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter without breaking them.
- Pour the batter into the pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil to prevent burning and continue baking.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving, which helps maintain its structure and flavor.
Notes
- Do not thaw frozen blueberries before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding and soggy bread.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread light and tender.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
