Banana Bread with Blueberries
So you’ve got overripe bananas sitting on your counter, mocking you every time you walk by? Perfect. They’ve officially reached their final form—banana bread material. And not just any banana bread—this one’s loaded with juicy blueberries, which basically makes it a health food… right? 😏
This recipe is what happens when cozy meets fruity, and honestly, it’s the type of loaf that disappears faster than your willpower at 2 a.m. in front of the fridge.
Let’s talk about why this one slaps.
What Makes This Banana Bread So Dang Good
Let’s be real. Banana bread is already peak comfort. But throw in some blueberries, and it turns into something that tastes like a bakery-level treat without you having to leave your house or change out of pajamas.
Why you’ll love it:
- Moist and fluffy (ugh, sorry if you hate that word, but it’s accurate)
- Pops of sweet, tangy blueberries in every bite
- Just sweet enough—no sugar crash required
- You can make it in one bowl if you’re feeling lazy (which, let’s be honest, you are)
- Stores well… if it lasts that long
And bonus: it smells like a warm hug while it’s baking. Yes, your kitchen will smell amazing. No, you don’t have to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need (AKA, Nothing Fancy)
Here’s the deal: you probably already have most of this stuff.
Wet stuff:
- 2–3 ripe bananas (medium-sized, super spotty ones = perfect)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil if you wanna pretend it’s healthy)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark—up to you)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry stuff:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds that “mmm what is that?” vibe)
Add-ins:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (don’t thaw if frozen)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if you like a little crunch
How to Make It (Step-by-Step, No BS)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper if you’re fancy like that.
- Mash the bananas in a big ol’ bowl. Fork, potato masher, your rage—whatever works.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Stir it like you mean it.
- Toss in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix just until there’s no dry flour hanging out. Don’t overmix—this ain’t cake.
- Gently fold in the blueberries (and nuts, if using). Be gentle—treat them like your dreams: delicate and easily crushed.
- Pour into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top, give it a shake to settle.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine; gooey batter = no).
- Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then move to a wire rack if you have one (or just your cutting board, let’s be honest).
Boom. Done.
Calories? Yes. Regret? No.
One slice (based on 10 slices per loaf):
~210–230 calories
Depends on your banana size, sugar level, and whether you added nuts. Honestly, it’s banana bread, not a green smoothie. Enjoy it.
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Guy)
- Using under-ripe bananas. If you wouldn’t eat them raw because they’re too mushy, they’re perfect.
- Overmixing. This makes it tough and weird. You’re making bread, not gluten bombs.
- Too many blueberries. Sounds like a good idea… until your loaf turns into a soggy berry mess. Stick to 1 cup.
- Not checking doneness. Every oven is its own brand of chaos. Check early.
Variations & Alternatives (Because You’re a Rebel)
- Swap blueberries for chocolate chips. You didn’t hear that from me 😉
- Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 GF flour blend. Still tasty, promise.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar if you’re going granola-mode.
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture. Coconut banana blueberry? Yeah, that’s a flex.
- Mini loaves or muffins? Same batter, shorter bake time (~25–30 mins for muffins).
FAQ
Can I freeze this?
Totally. Wrap slices individually or the whole loaf tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 30 seconds.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yup! Don’t thaw them first—just toss them in. If you’re worried about the batter turning purple, coat them in a spoonful of flour before mixing in.
What if I don’t have vanilla?
Skip it. Or use maple syrup or almond extract if you have those. It’ll still be good.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
Final Thoughts
This banana bread with blueberries is like your go-to cozy sweater: warm, reliable, and makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if your laundry pile says otherwise). It’s easy, foolproof, and actually fun to make—especially when your house starts smelling like a brunch café.
And let’s be honest… any excuse to eat something with bananas and call it “breakfast” is a win.
Now go rescue those sad bananas. They’ve got greatness ahead of them. 😎