Blueberry Banana Bread

We’ve kicked up the classic a notch and added juicy fruit for this unforgettable blueberry banana bread The result is a sweet quick bread so moist it almost falls apart in your hands.

The best part: You don’t need to plan ahead and wait for your bananas to turn brown (though overripe bananas will certainly work). We’ve formulated our blueberry banana bread recipe to provide maximum banana flavor from just-ripe bananas, plus mouthwatering bursts of blueberry from fresh or frozen berries. A handful of walnuts adds some crunch, though it’s just as yummy without them.

Learn how to make blueberry banana bread. Serve up a slice at your next brunch get-together.

Ingredients for Blueberry Banana Bread

Ripe bananas add moisture and flavor to this banana bread, with juicy blueberries studded throughout for an unexpected twist. To make blueberry banana bread, you'll need:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the banana bread its structure.
• Baking soda: Leavening agent to give the loaf its lift.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Vegetable oil: For a rich, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the banana bread along with the natural sweetness of the ripe bananas.
• Ripe bananas: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a deep banana flavor to the bread.
• Large eggs: Binds the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries: For a pop of juicy berry flavor and color throughout the bread.
• Chopped walnuts: Optional, for a nutty crunch.

How To Pick the Best Bananas for Banana Bread

The deep sweetness and moisture that ripe bananas impart into banana bread are key for the ideal banana bread flavor and texture. If you're wondering just how ripe those bananas should be, fragrant bananas that are browned on their exterior are best. If the bananas are bright yellow without those dark spots, wait a day or two (if you can) to let the bananas ripen a bit more before using. If they're deeply browned all over and are leaking liquid, they've gone too far.

Can't wait? We get it. When you need banana bread, you need banana bread! To ripen your bananas quickly, place (whole, unpeeled) onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 300ºF until the exteriors are completely black and the bananas are tender to the touch. Let cool, then peel and scoop out the flesh to use in your recipe.

How To Make Blueberry Banana Bread

A family-friendly loaf that even little hands can master, this banana bread recipe comes together quickly and easily. Full instructions are below, but here's an outline before you get started:

• Step 1. Gather the ingredients: Preheat the oven, and spray to coat a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.
• Step 2. Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
• Step 3. Combine oil and sugar: In a large bowl, beat oil and sugar to combine. Beat in bananas, eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture until just combined.
• Step 4. Add blueberries: Toss blueberries with remaining flour. Fold blueberries and walnuts into batter.
• Step 5. Bake bread: Pour into loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Blueberry Banana Bread Variations

For a twist on this flavorful quick bread recipe, consider these variation ideas:

• Flour: Experiment with different types of flours by substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, oat, or other types as desired.
• Sugar: Swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar for additional moisture and depth.
• Blueberries: Don't have blueberries on hand? Swap with other types of berries or use thawed, frozen mixed berries instead.
• Walnuts: The walnuts can be substituted with almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds for nut-free option.
• Spice: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, or other spices as desired.
• Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy touch to complement the blueberries and bananas.
• Vanilla: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract, or a splash of rum or bourbon for a flavorful touch.
• Toppings: Add an eye-catching topping by drizzling or coating the loaf with a lemon, rum, or blueberry glaze.

Our Tips for the Best Blueberry Banana Bread

For the best blueberry banana bread every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Ripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe to add deep flavor and moisture to the loaf.
• Frozen blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, rinse the frozen berries with water to remove excess juice from their exteriors that would leach into and color the batter. Pat dry and thaw before using.
• Don't overmix: Overmixed banana bread can become tough and rubbery.
• Don't overbake: Bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean for a moist result.
• Cool on a wire rack: Cool the cake completely to give the loaf time to set before slicing.

How To Store Blueberry Banana Bread

Wrap the loaf tightly and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

If freezing, consider wrapping slices individually for quick grabbing and thawing when you need them. Bring to room temperature or toast lightly before serving.

What To Serve With Blueberry Banana Bread

This flavorful loaf makes a great grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve as part of a larger breakfast or brunch with yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, and your other breakfast favorites.

You can also serve slices of this banana bread as a fruit-forward base for dessert. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, some candied nuts, or a fresh berry compote for an indulgent treat.

More Tender Quick Bread Recipes You'll Love

There's no need to wait for these sweet bread loaves to rise before baking—they come together quickly and easily, and are a great way to feature your favorite seasonal produce:

• Carrot Cake Quick Bread
• Zucchini Quick Bread
• Cranberry-Orange Bread
• Hummingbird Bread
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
• Banana Nut Bread
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Cream Cheese Banana Bread