Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe

Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Banana and Blueberry Mini Loafs

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease 3 mini loaf pans and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick.
  7. Gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 197 -
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 215mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 16g -
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 2mg 3%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 94mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe

This Blueberry Banana Bread is a delightful blend of ripe bananas and fresh blueberries, creating a moist, flavorful treat that's perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. It's an easy-to-make quick bread that's become a popular recipe among home bakers. The mix of banana and blueberries offers not just flavor, but a bit of color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

History of the Recipe

Banana bread has been a staple in American kitchens for over a century. The origins of banana bread date back to the 1930s, when baking powder became widely available, allowing for quicker and easier bread-making. As for the blueberry banana bread, it likely emerged as home bakers sought ways to incorporate fresh fruit into traditional banana bread recipes. Combining bananas, a tropical fruit, with blueberries, a popular berry in North America, creates a fusion of flavors that has stood the test of time. This recipe, like many modern ones, evolved from a desire to create more flavorful and nutritious baked goods using ingredients that were readily available.

Regional Variations

While this Blueberry Banana Bread is commonly baked in the United States, its appeal has spread globally. Variations can be found in many regions. For instance, in parts of Europe, bakers might swap blueberries for other berries such as raspberries or blackberries. In the Caribbean, where bananas are abundant, the bread may incorporate tropical flavors like coconut or rum. The breads base, however, remains the samebananas provide moisture, while the sweetness of the blueberries balances out the richness of the bread.

Distinctive Features

Compared to traditional banana bread, which is often made with just bananas and walnuts, blueberry banana bread adds a fruity twist that enhances both flavor and texture. The blueberries not only provide a burst of freshness but also contribute antioxidants, making this bread a slightly healthier option. The contrast between the soft, almost custardy banana flavor and the slight tartness of blueberries creates a uniquely satisfying bite, distinguishing it from other quick breads.

Where Its Typically Served

Blueberry banana bread is a versatile dish, perfect for a variety of occasions. Its often served as a breakfast treat, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Its also a popular choice for picnics, brunches, or casual get-togethers. In many households, it serves as an afternoon snack, often enjoyed alongside a glass of milk or fresh fruit. Thanks to its sweet yet not overly sugary flavor, it works as both a dessert and a breakfast item, making it suitable for any time of day.

Fun Facts

  • Bananas are a key ingredient in this recipe due to their ability to provide natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for extra sugar.
  • Blueberries are known for their health benefits, packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
  • In some regions, banana bread is considered a symbol of hospitality, often baked and shared with guests as a gesture of warmth and kindness.
  • Although banana bread is often associated with "comfort food," it can be made even more indulgent by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or a glaze on top.
  • The key to perfecting banana bread is using overripe bananas. Their sweetness and soft texture make for the ideal base, ensuring a moist loaf.

Blueberry banana bread is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a wonderful balance of sweetness, moisture, and health benefits. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with a spread of butter, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

FAQ about Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe

To store blueberry banana bread, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Just toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. There's no need to thaw the blueberries before adding them.

Yes, you can make blueberry banana bread into muffins. Simply divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that muffin baking time will vary depending on your oven.

If you'd like to substitute butter, you can use vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or applesauce. Keep in mind that substituting applesauce will result in a slightly different texture, but it can help make the bread moist and lower in fat.

To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter or oil. Make sure the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

Yes, you can double the recipe. If you're using larger pans, such as regular loaf pans instead of mini ones, be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. It may take 55-60 minutes to bake fully in larger pans. Always check with a toothpick to ensure it’s done in the center.

If your banana bread doesn't rise, it could be due to old or expired baking soda, not mixing the wet and dry ingredients well enough, or the oven temperature being too low. Be sure to check your baking soda’s expiration date and make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.

Yes, adding nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds is a great way to add texture to the bread. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overworking the batter.

A dense texture can occur if the batter is overmixed, which can make the bread too heavy. Be sure to mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Also, be mindful of not overbaking, as this can dry out the bread and make it dense.

It’s best to bake the batter right away, but if you want to freeze it, you can freeze the unbaked batter in a greased loaf pan. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Comments

Aaron Taylor

01/20/2025 06:18:38 PM

I followed the recipe the first time, but for my second attempt, I decided to get creative. I used two mini loaf pans and buttered them instead of greasing. To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, I coated them with flour after wetting them. Additionally, I sprinkled a mixture of cinnamon sugar on the sides of the pans and added extra flour to account for the additional blueberries. In a separate bowl, I combined 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 tsp of baking soda, and a few tablespoons of sifted flour. I let this mixture foam up before incorporating it into the batter along with bananas for extra moisture. I also placed banana slices on top of the batter, lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar. After baking for around 45 minutes at 350°F, the loaf came out perfectly moist and delicious. The added tweaks really enhanced the flavors and presentation of the bread, making it a delightful treat.

Emma Cruz

03/17/2023 12:34:53 AM

I baked this cake for 32 minutes in a Bundt pan and it turned out wonderfully moist. Despite using only a cup of sugar, it wasn't overly sweet which suited my taste perfectly as I prefer desserts on the less sweet side. I also included some chopped walnuts and pecans before baking, which added a nice crunch. The end result was delicious and filled my home with a delightful aroma as it baked.

Stephen Jackson

11/26/2024 10:24:49 PM

I absolutely adored it! It turned out incredibly beautiful. I ended up making double the amount in a glass tray. However, the timing was slightly different, as mine was done in just 55 minutes. To finish it off, I sprinkled some sugar, cinnamon, and drizzled butter on top. It was absolutely amazing! 😍

Nicholas Cruz

06/25/2024 05:19:08 AM

Absolutely scrumptious! I decided to make a larger batch, which resulted in 10 adorable mini loaves. I spiced it up with nutmeg and cinnamon, and it turned out even more flavorful. Can't wait to bake this again!