Introduction
This delicious banana blueberry bread is a perfect way to use up ripe bananas and enjoy the burst of flavors from fresh blueberries. With a moist texture and a delightful sweetness, this bread is ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Following this simple recipe will yield a wonderful homemade treat that will satisfy your cravings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– ⅔ cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 medium bananas (about 1¼ cups mashed banana)
– 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss with blueberries)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165ºC). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed, then set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, beat together 2 eggs, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Add Bananas
Mash 2 medium bananas (approximately 1¼ cups when mashed) with a fork or potato masher. Add the mashed bananas to the egg mixture and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. If you have an electric mixer, you can use it; otherwise, ensure the bananas are thoroughly mashed before incorporation.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
Step 6: Prepare Blueberries
In a small bowl, toss 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen) with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This will help prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
Step 7: Incorporate Blueberries
Carefully fold the floured blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 8: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool in Pan
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 8-10 minutes. This allows the loaf to set and makes it easier to remove.
Step 10: Transfer to Wire Rack
Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges of the loaf from the sides of the pan. Carefully turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Note 1: Banana Ripeness
For the best flavor and sweetness, use overly ripe bananas with brown spots.
Note 2: Blueberries
If you are using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter; this can help maintain their shape.
Note 3: Storage
Store the cooled banana blueberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the bread plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a small mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, beat together eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Mashing Bananas
Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash bananas before incorporating them into the wet mixture for consistency.
Combining Mixtures
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.
Tossing Blueberries
Coat blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the center of the oven until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, ensuring even cooking.
Cooling
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 8-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent sogginess and to maintain structure.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used directly in the recipe, but they may bleed color into the batter. Tossing them in flour will help reduce this.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, you can substitute it with baking powder, but the ratio will differ. Use about 3 times the amount of baking powder.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done.
Can I substitute vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil, melted butter, or applesauce for a healthier option.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
This delicious banana blueberry bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of blueberries, creating a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. The addition of cinnamon and the moist texture from vegetable oil make this loaf a standout. Once cooled, it can be sliced and enjoyed fresh, or toasted for a warm, comforting experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Banana Nut Bread
Replace blueberries with chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Add a cinnamon sugar swirl to the batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor throughout the loaf.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Incorporate chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist that pairs well with the bananas.
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the batter to create a refreshing citrus flavor alongside the blueberries.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Mix in a swirl of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a protein-packed treat.
Zucchini Banana Bread
Grate zucchini into the batter for added moisture and a hidden vegetable boost in your bread.
Berry Muffins
Use the same batter to make muffins, replacing blueberries with a mix of your favorite berries for variety.
Almond Flour Banana Bread
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour to create a moist, nutty bread.
