Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

The sweet aroma of bananas and warm cinnamon greets you the moment this bread emerges from the oven. This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is as inviting as it is delicious, moist, flavorful, and bursting with fresh blueberries in every bite.

What makes this loaf special is the buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that adds irresistible texture and depth. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with coffee or sharing with friends at brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined.
Gently fold in the blueberries. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

There’s something undeniably comforting about banana bread. It’s soft, warm, sweet, and familiar, a classic in the world of home baking. But this version takes banana bread to a whole new level of indulgence. Imagine the richness of ripe bananas, the burst of juicy blueberries in every bite, and a buttery cinnamon crumb topping that adds just the right crunch. If you’re looking for the ultimate upgrade to your usual banana bread, this Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is the one.

It’s the perfect recipe for lazy weekend mornings, cozy afternoon snacks, or an impressive treat to bring to brunches, potlucks, and family gatherings. Not only is it easy to make, but it also delivers on both flavor and presentation, no frosting or decorating skills needed!

A Brief History of Banana Bread

Banana bread rose to popularity in the United States in the 1930s, around the time baking powder and baking soda became household staples. It was also during the Great Depression, when home cooks were looking for ways to use up overripe produce instead of throwing it away. Enter: mashed bananas, sugar, and flour, baked into a soft loaf. The original banana bread was simple, budget-friendly, and a smart way to reduce food waste.

Over time, countless variations emerged, with chocolate chips, nuts, spices, swirls, and fruits. Today, banana bread is one of the most beloved quick breads across the globe. This version, studded with blueberries and finished with a crumb topping, brings a modern twist while still celebrating the humble roots of the original.

Ingredient Highlights

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this bread so special:

Ripe Bananas

The best banana bread starts with bananas that are overripe, spotted or fully brown-skinned. These bananas are naturally sweeter and much softer, making them easy to mash and perfect for baking. They provide moisture, structure, and depth of flavor.

Blueberries

Fresh or frozen blueberries work beautifully in this recipe. They add a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the bananas and crumb topping. When baked, they become jammy and create beautiful pockets of color and flavor.

Brown Sugar

Using brown sugar instead of granulated white sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture. It helps give the bread a rich, caramel-like depth.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors. It rounds out the sweetness and adds a soft, comforting aroma.

All-Purpose Flour

This is the backbone of the bread and the crumb topping. It provides the necessary structure to hold everything together while still yielding a soft, tender crumb.

Cinnamon

Found in the crumb topping, cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with banana and blueberry. It also creates that nostalgic flavor that reminds many of coffee cake or baked holiday treats.

Butter

Butter brings richness and moisture to the bread and makes the topping irresistibly crisp and crumbly.

Expert Baking Tips

Want to take your loaf from good to perfect? Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Use very ripe bananas. The darker the banana skin, the better the flavor. You want the bananas to be soft enough to mash easily with a fork.
Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing leads to a dense, tough loaf.
Toss blueberries in a little flour. Before folding them into the batter, coat the blueberries lightly in flour to help keep them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Bake until golden brown. Every oven is different, so start checking your loaf at the 55-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool completely. This helps the loaf firm up and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

This blueberry banana bread is delicious warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.

Here are some ideas for serving:

Breakfast or brunch: Serve slices alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee.
Afternoon snack: Pair it with tea or iced coffee for a cozy break.
Dessert: Warm it slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy treat.
Gifting: Wrap it in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift or hostess present.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try switching things up! Here are some tasty variations:

Add nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Try chocolate chips: Replace blueberries or add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, more wholesome loaf.
Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil in both the bread and crumb topping.
Add citrus zest: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor and complement the blueberries.

Storing and Freezing Tips

This banana bread stores well and freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead recipe.

To store:

At room temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days.
In the fridge: Extend shelf life to 5–6 days by refrigerating it but be sure to bring it to room temp before serving for best texture.

To freeze:

Let the loaf cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a zip-top freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before slicing.

Health Benefits (Yes, It Has Some!)

While banana bread is generally considered a treat, it also contains a few sneaky health benefits:

Bananas are high in potassium and vitamin B6.
Blueberries offer antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
Homemade vs store-bought: By baking at home, you control the sugar, fats, and overall quality of ingredients. No preservatives, artificial colors, or chemicals here, just real, delicious food made with love.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a banana bread traditionalist or someone who loves a modern twist, this Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping hits all the right notes. It’s moist, flavorful, easy to make, and impossible to resist. With the combination of sweet bananas, tangy blueberries, and a buttery cinnamon topping, each slice is a celebration of comfort and joy.

Baking this loaf is more than just preparing food, it’s about creating something from scratch that feels like home. So, grab those overripe bananas, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a loaf that’s sure to become a new favorite.

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