Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This banana and blueberry bread recipe is your perfect solution. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Forget store-bought loaves – this recipe delivers moist, flavorful bread bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the juicy burst of blueberries. It’s a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal option when paired with a side salad. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This simple step prevents lumps in your batter.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand if you have the time and energy.
Mix Wet and Dry:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Add the Fruit:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and blueberries. Don't worry if some blueberries sink to the bottom; they'll still taste amazing!
Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and serve – enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana and Blueberry Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is done.
- Cool completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition.
- Use different berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries would also be tasty.
- Add chocolate chips: A swirl of chocolate chips adds a decadent touch.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for banana and blueberry bread is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. It's a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall, or any season for that matter. Enjoy baking and the delicious results!