Blueberry Banana Bread
Blueberry Banana Bread: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Recipe
There’s something magical about the comforting aroma of Blueberry Banana Bread baking in the oven. But add juicy blueberries to the mix, and you’ve got a game-changer!
This Blueberry Banana Bread is moist, sweet, and bursting with the natural flavors of ripe bananas and fresh blueberries.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The bananas and blueberries create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any home baker.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The banana topping and sugared blueberries make this bread as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup milk
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, floured and sugared
Topping:
- 1 banana, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sprinkling on top of the banana)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Mash 2 bananas into the mixture and fold until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- Add the milk and stir until smooth.
3. Prepare the Blueberries
- Toss the blueberries in a mixture of flour and sugar to coat. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter.
4. Assemble the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Lay the halved banana on top of the batter, cut side up. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of vanilla.
- Sprinkle the banana topping with 1/4 cup of brown sugar for a caramelized finish.
5. Bake the Bread
- Bake for 45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, as needed.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring more natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense bread.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Either works, but if using frozen, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to the day.
- For Dessert: Warm a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For Gifting: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade treat your friends and family will love.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Blueberry Banana Bread takes the classic banana bread recipe and elevates it with bursts of juicy blueberries and a caramelized banana topping.
Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a sweet treat, this bread is the perfect choice.
Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!