Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh banana bread baking in the oven, especially when it’s studded with juicy blueberries and crowned with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is the ultimate fusion of moist texture, fruity bursts, and a buttery crunch that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s an upgrade from your usual banana bread that feels special enough for brunch gatherings, yet easy enough to bake on a lazy Sunday morning.

Whether served warm with a pat of butter or enjoyed cold with a cup of coffee, this bread delivers on both taste and texture. The blueberries add natural sweetness and moisture, balancing out the richness of the banana. Meanwhile, the crumb topping brings a delightful crunch and cinnamon warmth that pairs beautifully with every slice. This recipe will quickly become a household favorite for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a soft, satisfying loaf.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions:

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

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

4. Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

6. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.

7. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

8. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping: A Moist, Fruity Twist on a Classic Favorite

Banana bread is a timeless classic: moist, sweet, and versatile. It’s the kind of comfort food that reminds us of childhood kitchens, lazy weekend mornings, and cozy coffee breaks. But when you introduce fresh blueberries into the mix and top it off with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping, you elevate this familiar favorite to a whole new level of delicious. This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is more than just another loaf; it’s an experience of texture, flavor, and homemade comfort all rolled into one slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas, especially when you want to do something just a little different from your standard banana bread. The blueberries bring a natural tartness and juiciness that balances out the sweet, mellow banana flavor. Meanwhile, the crumb topping made with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, adds a crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender bread below.

Unlike many quick breads, which can sometimes feel overly dense or one-note, this recipe strikes a perfect balance of moisture, fluffiness, and complexity. Each bite is a satisfying mix of soft, fruity crumb and crisp, buttery topping. It’s indulgent enough to serve as a dessert and wholesome enough to be part of a brunch spread.

The Magic of Bananas and Blueberries

Bananas are a staple in baking not just for their natural sweetness but for the rich moisture they bring to baked goods. Their texture helps keep quick breads soft and tender, and when they’re overly ripe think brown and spotty, they’re even better for baking. The sugars have fully developed, and their flavor is at its peak.

Adding blueberries, especially fresh ones, gives the bread bright pops of flavor. These little berries are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, and they add a fresh and tangy note that complements the deep sweetness of bananas. You’ll notice how they burst while baking, creating pockets of juicy goodness throughout the loaf. If blueberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work just fine, just be sure not to thaw them first to avoid streaking your batter.

The Perfect Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is what sets this bread apart from your everyday banana loaf. It adds a bakery-style flair and an irresistible crunchy texture. Made simply with brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon, this topping is the same kind you might find on muffins or coffee cakes. It creates a sweet and slightly crisp top layer that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the bread.

Crumb toppings are often used in breakfast or snack cakes, and for good reason: they add visual appeal and a hint of indulgence without being too heavy or overpowering. In this recipe, it melts slightly into the top of the bread while still maintaining its structure, creating golden-brown crumbles that look just as good as they taste.

A No-Fuss, One-Bowl Wonder

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to put together. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a few bowls and a loaf pan. It’s a forgiving batter that comes together quickly, which means it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute baking. You can have it in the oven in under 20 minutes, and the smell of banana, cinnamon, and baking bread will fill your kitchen in no time.

This bread also freezes exceptionally well. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster oven for a warm, just-baked feel.

Variations and Customization

The base recipe is extremely versatile. Want to add a bit of crunch inside the bread? Throw in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. Prefer it on the sweeter side? A drizzle of vanilla glaze or a sprinkle of coarse sugar over the crumb topping will do the trick.

Here are a few other ways you can make this recipe your own:

• Swap the blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or even chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

• Add spices like nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a more spiced banana bread.

• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream to add extra moisture and a subtle tang.

• Try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to meet dietary needs.

This recipe is also a fantastic candidate for muffins. Simply divide the batter among muffin cups, top with the crumb mixture, and bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll end up with moist, tender banana blueberry muffins topped with a buttery crumble, perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Serving Suggestions

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy this bread. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Warmed with a pat of salted butter

• As-is with a hot cup of coffee or tea

• Topped with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for dessert

• As a side on a brunch table with eggs and fruit

• Paired with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for a light breakfast

It’s especially delicious the next day, after the flavors have had time to deepen. Store it covered on the counter for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Health and Nutritional Notes

While banana bread isn’t exactly diet food, this version manages to pack in some nutritional benefits along with its deliciousness. Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness, reducing the need for lots of added sugar. Blueberries add antioxidants and vitamins, while using whole ingredients like eggs and real butter gives your body the fats and proteins it needs to stay full and satisfied.

If you’re looking for a way to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly, or use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Swapping all-purpose flour for oat flour or almond flour can also add nutritional value.

Conclusion

This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is a standout recipe that brings together the best elements of classic banana bread, fresh seasonal fruit, and irresistible crunchy topping. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, yet elegant and flavorful enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re making it for a brunch get-together, a cozy afternoon treat, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this loaf is sure to impress.

It celebrates the richness of ripe bananas, the brightness of blueberries, and the textural contrast of a cinnamon-laced crumble, all in a beautiful, moist loaf that’s ready to slice and share. Keep it in your baking rotation year-round, and don’t be surprised when friends and family start asking for the recipe.

Enjoy every bite of this homemade masterpiece and don’t forget to save a slice for yourself before it disappears!