Blueberry Banana Bread

The warm aroma of ripe bananas and sweet blueberries fills your kitchen as this luscious loaf bakes to golden perfection. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and speckled with bursts of tangy blueberry goodness.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a quick breakfast on the go, this Blueberry Banana Bread is guaranteed to become a staple in your baking rotation. Its balance of fruit and soft crumb make it satisfying without being overly sweet, and it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas in the most delicious way possible.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 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

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to coat blueberries)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add the eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

  6. If using frozen blueberries, toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Fold in the blueberries gently.

  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

Everything You Need to Know About Blueberry Banana Bread

Banana bread has long been a staple in home kitchens around the world, and for good reason. It’s a forgiving, flexible, and delicious way to use up overripe bananas, and it transforms humble pantry staples into a loaf that feels like a warm hug. When you take that classic comfort food and elevate it with juicy, antioxidant-rich blueberries, you get a delicious twist that brings brightness, color, and an extra layer of flavor.

Blueberry Banana Bread is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes, sweet, soft, tender, slightly tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe is a must-have in your collection. It’s as simple as it is sensational, and it’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Why Blueberry Banana Bread?

Combining banana and blueberry is like pairing the best of both baking worlds. Bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while blueberries, especially when they burst in the oven, add tangy pops that contrast and enhance the flavor of the loaf. The pairing creates a balance that’s both fruity and bakery-level indulgent without the need for frosting or glaze.

In terms of texture, the bananas ensure that the crumb remains moist, tender, and slightly dense the ideal texture for slicing. Meanwhile, the blueberries keep things juicy and fresh, preventing the loaf from ever feeling dry or overly cakey.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

While the ingredient list is fairly simple, the quality and condition of each element can make a noticeable difference in your final loaf.

  • Bananas: The best bananas for this bread are heavily speckled or fully brown. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more smoothly, integrating better with the batter and lending more moisture.

  • Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen ones work just as well. If using frozen, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.

  • Sour Cream: This might be the secret MVP of the entire recipe. Sour cream adds richness and acidity, which helps to balance sweetness and results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels yourself. Make sure it’s softened so it creams properly with the sugar.

The Flavor Profile

What truly makes this bread unforgettable is the layering of flavors and textures:

  • The sweetness from the ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the tartness of the blueberries.

  • The richness from butter and sour cream provides a bakery-style depth and mouthfeel.

  • A hint of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.

  • The baking soda not only provides lift but reacts with the bananas and sour cream to give a delicate, tender crumb that isn’t too dense.

This isn’t just banana bread with berries added, it’s a whole different flavor experience.

Add-Ons and Variations

While the base recipe is excellent on its own, there are plenty of ways to personalize this loaf:

  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter to brighten it up even more and highlight the blueberries.

  • Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and an earthy contrast to the sweet fruit.

  • Chocolate Chips: Banana, blueberry, and chocolate? Yes, please! A half cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips takes this into dessert territory.

  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can deepen the flavor and give the bread a more autumnal twist.

Storage Tips

Blueberry Banana Bread stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for meal prepping or gifting.

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temp for up to 3 days.

  • Refrigerator: To extend shelf life to a week, refrigerate the bread. Just warm slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

  • Freezer: This loaf freezes like a dream. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature or microwave slices for 20–30 seconds each.

Health Benefits (Yes, Really!)

While this is a baked good and not exactly a “health food,” there are still some nutritional benefits:

  • Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and natural sugars that offer quick energy.

  • Blueberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.

  • Sour Cream provides calcium and protein, while also helping with the texture and moisture.

  • By skipping frostings and artificial flavors, this loaf keeps it clean and simple, a wholesome treat made from recognizable ingredients.

Want to go even healthier? Try substituting half the flour for whole wheat, reducing the sugar slightly, or using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Serving Ideas

This bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

  • For breakfast, enjoy a thick slice warmed with a pat of butter or a smear of almond butter.

  • For brunch, serve it as part of a sweet tray alongside muffins, pastries, and fresh fruit.

  • As dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, and top with extra fresh berries.

  • As a snack, pair it with your afternoon coffee or tea for the perfect pick-me-up.

It’s also a popular choice for baby showers, brunch gatherings, bake sales, and cozy family weekends. Serve it on a rustic wooden board or a pastel ceramic tray to make it visually irresistible.

Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing

This is a recipe that appeals to kids and adults alike. Its natural sweetness and soft texture make it easy for little ones to enjoy, while grown-ups love the nostalgic feel and real ingredients. It’s also great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a special breakfast treat on the weekend.

If you’re entertaining guests, bake two loaves, trust us, one won’t last long. You can also bake this recipe as mini loaves or muffins by adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Blueberry Banana Bread is more than just a recipe, it’s a wholesome, delicious expression of comfort and care. It brings together classic flavors in a new, vibrant way and offers endless flexibility to suit your taste, mood, or the season. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or toasted with your morning coffee, this loaf never disappoints.

From its golden crust to its fluffy, berry-filled interior, every bite of this bread tells a story of simple, feel-good baking. So, the next time you see bananas turning brown on your counter, don’t toss them, turn them into something extraordinary. Bake a loaf of Blueberry Banana Bread and share it with the people you love.

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