The perfect balance of sweet bananas, tart blueberries, and crunchy toasted coconut makes this loaf truly irresistible. It’s moist, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without overwhelming your palate. The addition of Greek yogurt gives it a soft, fluffy texture while keeping the bread light.
Whether you’re enjoying it warm with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon treat, this banana bread will quickly become a household favorite. The blueberries provide juicy bursts of freshness, while the toasted coconut topping adds a beautiful golden crunch that makes each bite extra special. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacking, this loaf is as versatile as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup melted coconut oil
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
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1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, do not overmix.
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Gently fold in the blueberries and half of the toasted coconut.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining toasted coconut on top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Toasted Coconut Blueberry Banana Bread: A Perfect Blend of Tropical and Comfort Flavors
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of nostalgic scent that instantly brings back memories of cozy mornings, slow weekends, and loving home kitchens. But what if you could take that classic comfort food and elevate it with bright bursts of blueberries and the rich, nutty crunch of toasted coconut? That’s exactly what this Toasted Coconut Blueberry Banana Bread does, and the results are nothing short of magical.
This banana bread variation isn’t just about adding extra ingredients. It’s about layering textures and flavors to create something that’s more than the sum of its parts. Ripe bananas offer sweetness and moisture, blueberries introduce pops of tart freshness, and the toasted coconut brings a deep, caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb of the loaf. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe delivers foolproof results with a tropical twist you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this banana bread apart from the rest is its irresistible combination of texture, taste, and simplicity. The ingredients are familiar and easy to source, yet the final product tastes like it came from a boutique bakery. Let’s explore some reasons why this banana bread should become a regular in your baking rotation:
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Perfectly Moist Crumb: Thanks to the mashed bananas and Greek yogurt, the bread stays moist without being dense.
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Coconut Oil for Flavor & Health: Using coconut oil instead of butter adds subtle tropical undertones and is a slightly healthier fat option.
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Fresh & Fruity: Blueberries bring a pop of freshness and color that contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of the bananas.
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Toasted Coconut Crunch: A topping of golden toasted coconut gives a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: This bread keeps well for several days and can also be frozen in slices for future snacking.
Whether you enjoy a slice warm with a pat of butter or cold with a dollop of Greek yogurt, it’s sure to hit the spot.
A Bit About the Ingredients
Every component in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen, balancing flavor, texture, and nutritional value:
Bananas
Bananas are the heart of any banana bread, and in this recipe, very ripe bananas are essential. The browner and spottier the peel, the sweeter and softer the banana, ideal for baking. They provide natural sugars, moisture, and binding power.
Blueberries
You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, depending on the season. Frozen berries are available year-round and hold their shape well in baking. Blueberries add a burst of tartness that complements the sweet bananas and the rich coconut.
Toasted Coconut
Toasting coconut enhances its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Simply spread the shredded coconut in a dry skillet or oven tray and stir often until golden. Sweetened coconut flakes are preferred in this recipe for a slight caramel flavor, but unsweetened works too if you’re watching sugar intake.
Coconut Oil
This oil replaces traditional butter and imparts a subtle coconut aroma that ties the tropical theme together. It also helps create a moist texture and keeps the loaf dairy-free if you choose a dairy-free yogurt substitute.
Greek Yogurt
A dollop of Greek yogurt lends tenderness and richness to the bread. It reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Flour and Leavening
All-purpose flour keeps things simple and approachable, while baking soda provides leavening. Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread light and tender.
When to Serve This Bread
Toasted Coconut Blueberry Banana Bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few occasions where it shines:
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Weekend Brunch: Impress your family or guests with this flavorful twist on classic banana bread.
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Snack Time: It’s a wholesome and satisfying snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Lunchbox Treat: A slice in your child’s lunchbox makes for a fun and fruity surprise.
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Gift Giving: Wrapped in parchment and twine, it makes a beautiful homemade gift.
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Holiday Breakfast: Add it to a breakfast or brunch buffet alongside other baked goods.
Storage & Freezing Tips
If you somehow manage not to eat the whole loaf within the first day (trust us, it’s a challenge!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week. Just bring to room temperature or warm before serving.
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Freezer: Slice and wrap each piece individually. Store in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
Variations & Customizations
This bread is forgiving and welcomes tweaks. Here are some delicious ideas to make it your own:
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Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
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Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
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Chocolate Fix: Stir in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips for a dessert-worthy version.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly loaf.
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Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Baking Tips for Success
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Do not overmix: Overmixing leads to tough bread. Stir just until the flour disappears.
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Check for doneness: Use a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
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Let it cool: Wait at least 10–15 minutes before slicing to let the crumb set.
Conclusion
Toasted Coconut Blueberry Banana Bread is a delightful way to transform a classic comfort food into something extraordinary. It merges tropical ingredients with traditional baking techniques to create a loaf that is both wholesome and indulgent. The toasted coconut offers a nutty crispness, while the blueberries add bursts of freshness, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re baking this for a weekend treat, sharing with friends, or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this banana bread is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that speaks to the heart and satisfies the soul, warm, welcoming, and wonderfully delicious.