Blueberry Banana Bread Soft

This blueberry banana bread comes out perfectly moist and packed with bursts of juicy berries in every slice. It is naturally sweetened and made with simple ingredients so you can enjoy it for breakfast or a wholesome snack any time of year.

My family fell in love with this bread the very first time I made it. Ever since then it has become our go to recipe for using up those extra ripe bananas and we never get tired of how good it tastes the next day.

Ingredients

• Mashed ripe banana: adds natural sweetness and keeps the bread so moist Choose fruit that is deeply speckled for the best flavor
• Pure maple syrup or honey: brings a gentle sweetness without refined sugars Make sure to use pure syrup for the richest taste
• Water: helps blend the batter smoothly and ensures a soft crumb
• Neutral oil or extra water: using oil makes the bread extra tender Feel free to use coconut canola or avocado oil for best results
• Pure vanilla extract: deepens the flavor Use real vanilla for that classic bakery aroma
• Flour: forms the base of the bread Spelt white or oat flour all work beautifully Choose fresh flour for lighter texture
• Protein powder or additional flour: boosts nutrition and gives the bread substance Use an unflavored or vanilla protein powder if you like or just more flour
• Baking soda and baking powder: help the loaf rise properly and stay fluffy Always double check freshness for best results
• Salt: balances sweetness and sharpens overall flavor
• Cardamom: gives a gentle warmth and subtle spice This is optional but highly recommended if you have it
• Blueberries: deliver juicy bursts in every bite Use either fresh or fully thawed frozen berries for convenience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees F Make sure the rack is in the center position for even baking

Prepare the Pan:

Grease a nine by five inch loaf pan with oil or nonstick spray Line it with parchment for easy removal if you wish

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the mashed bananas maple syrup or honey water oil and vanilla extract until completely smooth This ensures a uniform batter and helps incorporate all the flavors

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour protein powder or extra flour baking soda baking powder salt and cardamom to the bowl Gently stir until everything is just evenly combined and you see no streaks of flour Be careful not to overmix or the bread may turn out dense

Fold in the Blueberries:

Very softly add the blueberries and fold them into the batter using a spatula Try to avoid crushing the berries so you get lovely whole blue dots throughout your loaf

Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top to even it out Place the pan in the oven and bake for about fifty minutes Insert a toothpick in the center If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs the bread is done

Cool and Serve:

Let the bread cool completely in the pan This helps it set and makes slicing easier For best flavor and texture loosely cover and refrigerate overnight The flavors deepen and the bread is delightfully tender

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Every time I bake this with my kids we race to see who finds the slice with the most blueberries My favorite is the scent of vanilla and banana filling the kitchen while it bakes It always reminds me of cozy weekends at home

Storage Tips

Wrap completely cooled blueberry banana bread tightly and store in the fridge for up to five days For longer storage slice and freeze individual portions in airtight bags This way you can reheat a piece in the toaster or microwave whenever you want a warm snack

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the maple syrup for honey or agave based on your favorite sweetener Oat flour makes the loaf gluten free and you can use nondairy protein powder if you need a plant based version Fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well so pick whatever is in season or most convenient

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices on their own or spread with a thin swipe of almond butter for extra richness Kids love this bread packed in lunches or served as an after school snack Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few extra berries to make it a lovely breakfast

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Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep blueberries from sinking?

Gently fold blueberries into the batter at the end and distribute evenly. Tossing them in a little flour before adding also helps prevent sinking.

→ What can I use as a sweetener substitute?

Maple syrup, honey, or agave all work well. For less sweetness, you can reduce the amount or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.

→ How should this bread be stored?

Allow to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Flavors intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

→ Can frozen blueberries be used?

Both fresh and thawed frozen blueberries work. Gently fold in to avoid breaking the berries and turning the batter purple.

→ Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for similar results. Ensure the protein powder is also gluten-free if used.