Blueberry Banana Bread

The harmony of sweet ripe bananas and tart blueberries makes this Blueberry Banana Bread a standout among homemade baked goods. It’s soft and moist, with bursts of juicy berry flavor in every bite. A golden crust on the outside and a tender crumb inside give it the perfect texture to enjoy any time of day.

Whether you’re making it for a leisurely breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf brings warmth and sweetness to any moment. It’s easy to prepare with basic pantry staples, and adaptable too, try adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or a cinnamon swirl for a delightful twist. Best of all, it’s freezer-friendly and makes your whole kitchen smell amazing!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, do not overmix.

5. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold them into the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices

Blueberry Banana Bread: The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Tart

There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread but when you add plump, juicy blueberries into the mix, the result is nothing short of magical. Blueberry Banana Bread is the ultimate feel-good bake: moist, flavorful, and bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and blueberries. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon snack or a light dessert.

Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing a treat for a brunch gathering, or simply trying to use up overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this loaf never disappoints. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm banana and baked berries.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes this recipe so special, share tips to perfect your loaf every time, provide ingredient breakdowns and smart substitutions, and help you understand the science behind the moist crumb and golden crust that make this bread shine.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Banana Bread

• Simple and beginner-friendly: No special equipment or baking expertise needed. One bowl, one pan, and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients is all it takes.

• Moist and fluffy texture: Thanks to ripe bananas and just the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients, this loaf is soft and tender, never dry or crumbly.

• Naturally sweetened with fruit: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor, while blueberries bring a burst of tartness that balances the sugar perfectly.

• Versatile: Make it your own with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or a cinnamon swirl.

• Freezer-friendly: This bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch baking or prepping ahead.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitution Tips

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this loaf and how each ingredient contributes to its success:

• Ripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or fully brown, they’re sweeter, softer, and perfect for baking. These not only provide moisture and natural sweetness but also lend that signature banana flavor we all love.

Substitution Tip: No ripe bananas on hand? Roast firm bananas in their peel at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until blackened and soft.

• Blueberries

You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. Fresh blueberries tend to hold their shape better, while frozen ones are more economical and always available. Tossing them in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Substitution Tip: Swap blueberries for raspberries, chopped strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor twist.

• Flour

All-purpose flour gives structure to the loaf. Be sure to measure it correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dense texture.

Substitution Tip: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Almond flour can be added for a nutty note, but not as a direct replacement.

• Baking Soda

This leavening agent reacts with the acidity in the bananas to give the bread lift. Always check that your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.

• Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and contributes to its golden crust.

Substitution Tip: Use coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can reduce the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons if your bananas are very ripe.

• Butter

Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture.

Substitution Tip: Use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be added for extra moisture.

• Egg

The egg acts as a binder and helps with structure and richness.

Substitution Tip: Replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water) to make the recipe vegan.

• Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Expert Baking Tips

1. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour and can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Toss blueberries in flour: Lightly coating the blueberries in flour helps keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

3. Let it cool completely: Resist slicing into the bread while it’s still hot let it cool completely to help the crumb set and keep its moisture.

4. Use parchment paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment makes for easier removal and cleanup.

5. Add a crunchy top: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix on top before baking for an irresistible crust.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you can try to suit your taste:

• Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a bright citrusy twist.

• Blueberry Banana Nut Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Blueberries: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the blueberries for a dessert-like version.

• Cinnamon Swirl Blueberry Banana Bread: Layer half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mix, then add the rest of the batter and swirl with a knife.

• Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread: Use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, and add Greek yogurt for a more nutritious take.

How to Store and Freeze

• Storing at Room Temperature

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

• Refrigeration

You can refrigerate the bread to extend its shelf life up to 6 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the microwave.

• Freezing Instructions

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Banana Bread is perfect on its own, but you can dress it up in many ways:

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese

• Toast slices and top with almond butter and fresh fruit

• Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness

• Turn it into French toast for a decadent breakfast

• Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat

Conclusion

Blueberry Banana Bread is one of those timeless recipes that brings joy to every bite. Its moist crumb, natural sweetness, and fruity bursts of blueberries make it a household favorite for all ages. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is as forgiving as it is satisfying. Plus, with endless variations and storage flexibility, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

So, the next time you find overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t toss them bake this loaf and let your home fill with the warm, inviting scent of bananas and berries. Trust us, it won’t last long!