Blueberry Banana Bread

Name: Blueberry Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup quick oats; 3 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 Tbsp water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries (plus a few extra for the top)

April 19, 2013October 23, 2023 30 comments

Jump to Recipe

I am excited to share my favorite Blueberry Banana Bread recipe. This recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Freshly baked blueberry banana bread, the loaf has been removed from the oven but it remains in the tin with the parchment paper overlapping the edges.

So whether you are looking for a quick snack or a dessert to impress your guests, this recipe will not disappoint.

The Origin Story of Banana Bread

Did you know that banana bread was invented by clever monkeys?

Slice of Blueberry Banana Bread placed on decorative plate. Wore rack out of focus with the rest of the loaf on top.

These monkeys had a surplus of overripe bananas and mixed them with flour and sugar, baked them in a tree trunk, and voila!

Banana bread was born.

Over time, this delicious treat spread to other parts of the world, where bakers added unique twists and ingredients to the classic recipe.

The ingredients that will be needed. Wooden spoon with rough cut oats, square whit bowl full of fresh whole blueberries, 3 ripe bananas.

Substitutions

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile and easy to modify.

If you don’t have blueberries or simply want to switch things up, here are some other ideas:

Blueberry Banana Bread ready to be bake. Cake tin, with the inside wrapped in parchment paper and filled with the dough. On top the loaf is decorated with fresh whole blueberries and an oatmeal/sugar combination.

Raspberries: These are an excellent substitute for blueberries and add a tartness that pairs well with sweet bananas.
Strawberries: If you prefer a milder flavor, strawberries are a good option. They also add a pop of color to the bread.
Blackberries: These add a bold, sweet flavor and work well if you like your bread on the sweeter side.
Chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, try adding chocolate chips to the bread. This will give you a chocolatey, fruity combo that is hard to resist.
Walnuts or pecans: If you prefer a nutty flavor and crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread.
Cinnamon: If you love the flavor of cinnamon, add an extra teaspoon to the recipe. This will give you a warm, spicy flavor that compliments the sweet bananas and blueberries.

Freshly baked Blueberry Banana Bread, it is being cooled in the tin, sitting on a wore rack, until the time comes to remove it.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to modify this Blueberry Banana Bread recipe to suit your taste.

So feel free to get creative and try different combinations of flavors.

FAQs

Here are some common questions I have received about this Blueberry Banana Bread recipe:

How do I keep my loaf moist after baking?
In the bottom of an airtight storage container, place a paper towel, followed by your cooled loaf, then place another paper towel on top of the bread. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture that may leak over the next few days.
How long do I need to cool the blueberry banana bread before removing it from the tin?
At least 5-10 minutes, 10 is better! Proper cooling is essential because the bananas caramelize and become sticky during the cooking process. If it’s too hot, your loaf could break into pieces.
How can I be sure the blueberry banana bread is cooked the whole way through?
Grab a cake thermometer if you want to be really sure. The center of the loaf should be between 200℉ and 205℉.

Close up of the banana bread. It is on a wire rack with the top sliced off so you can see the plentiful amount of blueberries throughout the loaf.

Secrets to Baking Perfect Blueberry Banana Bread

Making this bread is easy and fun, and there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the best results.

Here are some key takeaways from the recipe that I think are worth calling out:

Preparation Tips

Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees before starting so it’s ready when you need it.
Grease, flour, and line your loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mixing Tips

In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with water before adding it to the large bowl to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
Add the blueberries last to avoid over-mixing the batter and turning it purple.

Blueberry Banana Bread with 3 slices cut from top. The loaf and slices are sitting on a wooden chopping board.

Topping Tips

For the topping, use a fork to evenly spread the dollops over the top of the batter. Make sure there are no large holes.
Press some extra blueberries into the batter to create an excellent presentation.

Baking Tips

Check your Blueberry Banana Bread after 50 minutes of baking, then add additional time if necessary.
Allow the bread to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool on a wire rack. This will prevent the bread from breaking into pieces.

Out of focus is the Blueberry Banana Loaf sitting on a wooden chopping board.
In focus is a white teacup and saucer. The cup is full of milk tea and there is a slice of the bread and a fork on the saucer.

Serving Tips

Cut the bread into slices and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delicious treat.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep the bread moist and fresh.

With these tips and tricks, you can make the perfect Blueberry Banana Bread every time.

Other Quick Bread Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this Blueberry Banana Bread recipe, there are many other quick bread recipes to explore.

Try different flavor combinations or experiment with new toppings to create a bread that is uniquely yours.

Here are some ideas to get you started: