Banana bread is a beloved classic, but adding blueberries gives it an extra burst of flavor and moisture that makes it truly special. This recipe is easy to follow and offers various customization options, like nut-free, low-carb, or dairy-free alternatives. Whether served warm from the oven or toasted with butter, this bread is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
⬇️ Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Use a gluten-free blend if needed.
- 4 Roasted Bananas: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 1 cup White Sugar: For sweetness.
- 4 tablespoon Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise.
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: Additional leavening agent.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- Pinch of Nutmeg: Subtle spice. Use sparingly if dry.
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist.
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- ⅔ cup Pecans (Optional): Adds crunch. Substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Turbinado Sugar: For a sweet, crunchy topping.
- 1 cup Frozen Blueberries: Provides bursts of juicy flavor.
Instructions
Prep the Bananas
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cut the ends off the bananas and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Make a lengthwise cut down each banana for even roasting.
- Roast for 40 minutes until the skins are black and the bananas are soft.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Combine roasted bananas, eggs, white sugar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil in a stand mixer.
- Mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt over the wet mixture.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
Prepare the Blueberries
- Toss frozen blueberries in a light coating of flour and sugar to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Assemble and Bake
- Grease a loaf pan with vegetable oil and sprinkle the inside with Turbinado sugar, discarding any excess.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, layer the blueberries on top, then add the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle more Turbinado sugar on top.
- Bake for 1 hour at 375°F (190°C). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Watch How To Make:
Mom's Original Banana Bread Recipe:
Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Low Carb: Replace sugar with monk fruit or erythritol and substitute flour with almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a plant-based oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg).
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or substitute with almond and oat flour. Adjust liquid accordingly.
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Spiced: Enhance warmth with cloves, ginger, or cardamom.
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: This is used to combine wet ingredients.
- Loaf Pan: Grease well for easy bread removal.
- Cookie Sheet: For roasting bananas.
- Parchment Paper: Helps with easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for wet and dry ingredients.
- Sifter: Ensures lump-free dry ingredients.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients gently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
- Toothpick or Skewer: Used to test for doneness.
Recipe FAQs
How do I store banana bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, refrigerate for a week or freeze for up to three months.
Can I use fresh blueberries?
Yes, but fresh berries may bleed into the batter more than frozen ones. To reduce this, toss them in flour before adding them.
What can I use as an egg substitute?
Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg), applesauce, or a store-bought egg replacer.
How do I keep the banana bread moist?
Ensure bananas are fully ripe. Add ingredients like yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can result in a dense texture. Mix only until just combined, and measure the ingredients accurately.
📖 Recipe
Blueberry Banana Bread
Mother's Banana Bread recipe with a chef's twist. The addition of blueberries makes is healthy, right?
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1+ cups Roasted Bananas / About 4 bananas
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 cup White Fine Sugar
- 4 T Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- pinch Nutmeg / If using dry nutmeg be careful to not use too much. Watch Video.
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 2 Eggs
- ⅔ cup Pecans / Chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon Turbinado Sugar Add to the top for texture.
- 1 cup Frozen Blueberries
Instructions
Banana Prep - Oven Method
- Cut the ends off of the bananas and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a cut all the way down the length of the bananas. Makes for easy removal from the peel.
- Roast @ 300 degrees for 40 minutes - Roast 4 bananas
Making Blueberry Banana Bread
- First Mix The Wet IngredientsAdd the roasted bananas to the KitchenAid mixer along with the eggs, sugar, vanilla, vegetable oil. Mix until combined.
- Second Mix The Dry IngredientsUsing a sifter, (avoid lumps of flour), sift all dry ingredients over the KitchenAid mixer.Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, cinnamon,
- When you turn on the KitchenAid mixer the KEY is to not over mix. You will develop gluten and will toughen the Blueberry Banana Bread.
Blueberry Prep
- Mix flour and sugar in a bowel. Measurements aren't important. Just be sure you have enough to coat the blueberries. Half & Half
- Add the frozen blueberries to the flour and sugar mix. This step will help the blueberries NOT sink to the bottom of the cookware. Skip this step if you want the blueberries to sink to the bottom
Finishing Steps
- Using a bread baking dish/cookware, spray with vegetable oil, or wipe down with a paper towel with vegetable oil. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar all over the cookware. Pour out the excess.
- Add half of the batter to the cookware.
- Next, add the blueberries. Use a much as you like.
- Then add the remaining batter.
- Do not overfill the cookware or the blueberry banana bread will extend too far upward while cooking. The bread will increase in height as it cooks. So do not overfill the cookware.
- Add turbinado sugar to the top to a nice sugar crunch
Baking Instructions
- Place in the middle of your oven. Bake for 1 hour in preheated 375 oven.Be sure to check on the banana bread during the baking. All ovens do not cook the same and timing may need to be adjusted.
- Once the timer is up to check for doneness with a toothpick. You want the toothpick to come out clean. Check the deepest part of the cookware.
In Summary
This Blueberry Banana Bread recipe is versatile and can be adapted to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The addition of blueberries brings a fresh twist to the classic banana bread, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you opt for the traditional version or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Home baker says
Wonderful bread. Made It several times w different variation. Modified it a bit to lower carbs by using no sugar or monk fruit since banana s are already sweet. Sometimes I’ve used less flour and replaced rest w almond flour. Since we did not have nuts, we added hemp hearts instead. Came out nice.
Steven Pennington says
I love your variations. Thanks for the healthy substitutes. I haven't tested monk fruit. Do you have any tips on how to use it? Qualities? Thank You
Anonymous says
Love the cinnamon in this banana bread recipe. Genius!