The Delicious Story Behind This Banana Bread
Every slice of banana bread tells a story of comfort, tradition, and pure homemade goodness. This Blueberry Banana Bread takes the classic comfort food to new heights, combining the soft, moist texture of traditional banana bread with bursts of juicy blueberries and rich chocolate chips.
Imagine the warmth of a freshly baked loaf filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This isn’t just a bread – it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat any time of day, this banana bread promises to become a beloved recipe in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bread Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g / 2 sticks), softened
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (220g), packed
- Large Eggs: 2
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml)
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g)
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Fresh Blueberries: 1 cup (150g)
- Chocolate Chips: 2 cups (340g)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped Nuts: 1/2 cup (60g)
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2g)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare to Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan
- Line with parchment paper
- Leave overhang for easy removal
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, place softened butter
- Add granulated sugar
- Add packed brown sugar
- Beat with electric mixer
- Mix until smooth and creamy
- Mixture should be light and fluffy
- Scrape down sides of bowl
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs one at a time
- Beat well after each addition
- Ensure each egg is fully incorporated
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Mix until well combined
- Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In separate bowl, combine flour
- Add baking soda
- Add salt
- Whisk to distribute evenly
- Dissolve baking soda in 1 tablespoon hot water
- This helps activate the leavening
- Combine and Mix
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture
- Mix on low speed
- Avoid overmixing
- Fold in blueberries
- Gently add chocolate chips
- Use spatula to distribute evenly
- Bake the Bread
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan
- Smooth top with spatula
- Optional: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top
- Bake for 60-70 minutes
- Test with toothpick
- Toothpick should come out clean
- Tent with foil if top browns too quickly
- Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes
- Use parchment to lift out of pan
- Cool completely on wire rack
- Slice and serve
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Calcium: 4-6% daily value
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes Total Time: 80-90 minutes Servings: 10-12 slices
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is truly softened
- Mixing Technique: Don’t overmix the batter
- Blueberry Tip: Toss in flour to prevent sinking
- Moisture Secret: Use very ripe bananas
- Storage Hack: Wrap tightly to maintain freshness
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts, add seeds
- Less Sweet: Reduce sugar, add more bananas
- Chocolate Alternative: Use white chocolate chips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze banana bread? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q2: How ripe should bananas be? A: Very ripe, with brown spots is ideal.
Q3: Can I use frozen blueberries? A: Yes, but don’t thaw first. Add frozen.
Q4: Why did my bread come out dry? A: Likely overmixed or overbaked.
Q5: Can I make muffins instead? A: Yes, adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store 2-3 days
- Refrigeration: Keeps up to 1 week
- Freezing: Freeze whole or sliced
- Prep Ahead: Mix dry ingredients night before
- Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly warm
Indulge in the ultimate comfort of Blueberry Banana Bread!