There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas, sweet blueberries, and crunchy nuts, each bite is a burst of flavor. That’s exactly why this Blueberry Banana Nut Bread has become one of my go-to baking recipes. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor, and trust me, it’s a bread that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
This recipe is one of those that fits seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a dessert to share with family and friends, this bread delivers every time. I first created this version when I had a bunch of overripe bananas and a handful of fresh blueberries left from a recent grocery run. The result? A moist, flavor-packed loaf that became an instant favorite in my household.
With its combination of banana’s natural sweetness, blueberries’ tartness, and the crunch of walnuts (or any nuts of your choice), this Blueberry Banana Nut Bread offers something for everyone. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to your weekend baking routine or a special occasion treat.
Table of contents
Why this Recipe Works
What makes this Blueberry Banana Nut Bread stand out from other quick bread recipes is the combination of ingredients that perfectly balance each other. The bananas keep the bread moist, while the blueberries add a fresh burst of flavor that pairs so well with the nutty crunch from the walnuts.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the ingredients are likely ones you already have in your pantry. The batter comes together in just a few steps, and the baking time is perfect for you to relax and enjoy the heavenly smell of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen.
I also love how customizable this recipe is. You can easily swap out the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even omit the nuts entirely if you’re looking for a nut-free version. If you’re not a fan of blueberries, try using raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist. For a healthier option, you can even replace part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. This recipe works no matter what variation you choose!
Recipe Card
Blueberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes1
hour250
kcalThis Blueberry Banana Nut Bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the burst of blueberries, and the crunch of nuts for a moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this easy recipe is a family favorite!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for a rustic texture)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed bananas, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle oats over the top for an optional decorative touch.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Using overripe bananas enhances the sweetness and flavor of the bread.
- You can substitute the nuts with chocolate chips if preferred.
- Fresh blueberries work best, but you can use frozen ones—just add them directly without thawing.
Tips for a Moist Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring out more sweetness, which enhances the flavor of your bread and keeps it moist.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense and heavy. The batter should be a bit lumpy.
- Frozen Blueberries: If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them! Adding them frozen helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter and turning it purple. Plus, they stay intact and provide little bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
- Chill the Batter: If you have the time, allow the batter to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more even texture.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Start checking your bread at 50 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done!
Variants of Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
One of the reasons this Blueberry Banana Nut Bread is so loved is how easy it is to modify. Here are a few of my favorite variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
Vegan Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
You can easily make this bread vegan by swapping out the eggs and dairy. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg, and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For the milk, almond or oat milk works beautifully.
Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
For those avoiding gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help the structure and texture of the bread. You might also want to increase the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Sugar-Free Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
If you’re watching your sugar intake, this recipe can be adapted to be sugar-free. You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, or you could use mashed dates for a natural sweetness.
Double Chocolate Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
For chocolate lovers, why not add a handful of chocolate chips to the mix? Dark chocolate chips work particularly well, adding a rich, decadent flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas and blueberries.
FAQ About Blueberry Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for a few minutes.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Absolutely! You can swap out blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of different berries for a unique twist.
Using overripe bananas and not overmixing the batter are key to getting a moist and tender bread. You can also add a bit of sour cream or yogurt for extra moisture.
Closing Thoughts
Blueberry Banana Nut Bread is more than just a tasty treat; it’s a perfect way to start your morning or satisfy a midday craving. The natural sweetness of bananas, juicy blueberries, and crunchy nuts create a blend of flavors and textures that’s both wholesome and delicious. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, so you can have a fresh loaf ready in no time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this delightful bread!
Leave a Reply