The combination of ripe bananas and plump blueberries creates a moist, flavorful bread that’s sweet with a pop of tartness from the berries. This Blueberry Banana Bread is a heartwarming comfort bake perfect for mornings, midday snacks, or evening treats. With its soft crumb, golden crust, and speckled blueberry interior, it looks as inviting as it tastes. Each slice brings together the homestyle charm of banana bread and the refreshing brightness of blueberries, making it a seasonal favorite and a great way to use overripe bananas.
This loaf is incredibly versatile and forgiving—great for beginner bakers or seasoned pros looking for an easy win in the kitchen. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, can be frozen for future use, and makes a lovely homemade gift. You can even add your own twist with nuts, lemon zest, or a cinnamon streusel topping. Whether you’re baking it for your family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers comforting flavors and nostalgia in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to coat blueberries)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
What Makes Blueberry Banana Bread So Special?
Blueberry Banana Bread brings together the best of two beloved kitchen staples: overripe bananas and fresh or frozen blueberries. This loaf isn’t just a convenient way to use up bananas that are past their prime—it’s also a deeply flavorful, moist, and visually beautiful bread that evokes feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and warmth. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations or made time and again for school lunches, weekend brunches, and afternoon tea.
While traditional banana bread is already a classic, the inclusion of blueberries enhances both taste and nutrition. The juicy bursts of berries complement the sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly, creating a vibrant contrast in every bite. Blueberries not only provide a pop of color but add a subtle tanginess and juiciness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
The Perfect Balance of Texture and Taste
One of the hallmarks of a great banana bread is its texture. This version offers the best of both worlds: a tender, cake-like crumb that’s rich and moist but not dense or gummy. The mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and softness, while the blueberries contribute their signature burst of freshness.
The crust forms a golden, lightly crisp exterior that beautifully contrasts the soft interior. Whether served warm out of the oven or enjoyed the next day after the flavors meld together even more, this bread stays moist for days without becoming overly soggy—especially when stored properly.
The Nutritional Benefits Behind the Ingredients
This bread may taste like a decadent treat, but it comes with its own set of nutritional perks:
- Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar. Bananas also contribute to the soft texture of the loaf without needing heavy amounts of butter or oil.
- Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses rich in vitamin C and K, as well as fiber. They help combat oxidative stress, support heart health, and provide a dose of immune-boosting nutrients. Including them in baked goods is a great way to sneak in some extra fruit servings.
- Eggs and butter supply richness, structure, and satiety, making the loaf more filling. These ingredients also balance the carbs from the flour and fruit.
- Cinnamon and vanilla not only elevate flavor but may support blood sugar regulation and digestive health.
With thoughtful ingredients and moderate sugar levels, Blueberry Banana Bread can be part of a balanced diet—especially when paired with protein (like Greek yogurt) for breakfast or served in smaller portions as a snack.
Why This Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe Stands Out
There are countless banana bread variations, but this version excels because of:
- Consistency: It bakes evenly every time, producing a well-risen loaf that slices beautifully without crumbling.
- Versatility: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, making it perfect year-round. It can be baked with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or drizzled with glaze for a dessert-like finish.
- Simplicity: It’s a one-bowl recipe with no special equipment required. Just stir, pour, and bake.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweetness of banana, the tang of blueberry, and the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon come together in a universally appealing loaf.
Who Will Love This Bread?
- Busy parents looking for a quick and wholesome snack to pack in lunchboxes.
- Baking beginners wanting a foolproof and forgiving recipe.
- Health-conscious foodies seeking a naturally sweetened alternative to processed treats.
- Entertainers hosting brunches, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Meal preppers who love having a homemade baked good that stores well and freezes beautifully.
How to Customize This Recipe
Blueberry Banana Bread offers a fantastic base for creativity. Try these optional add-ins and substitutions:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchier bite.
- Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Swirl in cream cheese before baking for a marbled effect.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Add a hint of lemon zest to highlight the blueberry tang.
- Top with a brown sugar streusel for a coffee cake-like finish.
When to Serve It
There’s never a bad time for a slice of blueberry banana bread. Serve it:
- Warm with butter or honey for a cozy morning breakfast.
- As a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
- For dessert, slightly toasted with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- At brunches or baby showers as a centerpiece on a sweet tray.
- Wrapped as a gift for teachers, neighbors, or new parents.
Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep the bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil or freezer wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.
A Comforting Classic You’ll Return to Again and Again
Whether you’re baking for comfort, convenience, or to use up ripe bananas, this Blueberry Banana Bread delivers every time. Its comforting aroma, rich flavor, and beautiful look make it more than just a loaf—it’s a warm memory in the making.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to when you need something simple yet satisfying. Keep it plain, dress it up, share it with others, or freeze some for later—however you enjoy it, this bread is bound to become a regular in your baking rotation.
Conclusion
In a world of trendy recipes and complicated baking fads, sometimes the best choice is a timeless one. Blueberry Banana Bread is just that—a familiar favorite with a fresh twist. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe that nurtures body and soul. Whether enjoyed solo with a cup of tea or shared around a table of loved ones, this loaf reminds us why the classics never go out of style.