This Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread is soft, flavorful, and bursting with fresh citrus and juicy blueberries in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with zesty lemon and blueberries. The best part? It all comes together in one bowl with simple ingredients—no mixer needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious loaf ready in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas and Greek yogurt, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Versatile Options: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion!
- No Mixer Required: Mix everything by hand for an easy cleanup and a little extra love in your baking.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing taste that will brighten your day.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75)
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: This tool helps to blend wet ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Loaf Pan: Using the right size pan ensures even baking and prevents overflow.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (can sub olive oil)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed with 1 tsp flour to prevent sinking)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
How to Make Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper to make removal easier after baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Mashed bananas
2. Eggs
3. Maple syrup
4. Coconut sugar
5. Melted coconut oil
6. Greek yogurt
7. Lemon zest
8. Lemon juice
9. Vanilla extract
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the following dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Cinnamon
4. Salt
Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Add Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries that have been tossed with flour to keep them from sinking.
Step 5: Pour into Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. If necessary, continue baking for an additional 2–3 minutes if it isn’t done after 60 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread!
How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
This delicious Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread is perfect for a snack or breakfast. There are many ways to enjoy it, whether you prefer it plain or dressed up with toppings.
Toasted with Butter
- A warm slice of banana bread spread with butter adds richness and flavor that complements the blueberries perfectly.
With Cream Cheese
- Spread a layer of cream cheese on top for a tangy contrast that enhances the lemon zest in the bread.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing side that balances the sweetness of the bread.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey adds an extra touch of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the citrus notes in the loaf.
Served as French Toast
- Slice the banana bread and dip it in an egg mixture to make delightful French toast. Top it off with syrup for a breakfast treat.
How to Perfect Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
To achieve the best results with your Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread, follow these helpful tips for baking success.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your loaf in the oven; baking times may vary based on your oven’s temperature accuracy.
- Add extra blueberries: For a burst of flavor, feel free to add more blueberries than the recipe calls for, but toss them in flour first to prevent sinking.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely ensures easier slicing and enhances its flavor.
- Store properly: Keep your banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain its freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
If you’re looking for something special to serve alongside your Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread, consider these delicious side dishes. They can enhance your meal experience beautifully.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious addition that complements the flavors of banana bread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of your banana bread perfectly.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds pairs well as a light side dish.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert adds a healthy twist while providing texture contrasts to the soft banana bread.
- Oven-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes provide a savory option that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of banana bread.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats can be served as a sweet option that echoes coconut’s flavor from your ingredients.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad offers freshness and a variety of textures that pair wonderfully with each bite of banana bread.
- Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: A herbed cream cheese spread adds creaminess and savory notes that complement this sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here’s what to watch out for:
Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are essential for sweetness, overly mushy ones can affect texture. Aim for bananas that are ripe but still slightly firm.
Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: If your ingredients are not at room temperature, it may lead to uneven mixing. Let eggs and yogurt sit out for about 30 minutes before use.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense bread. Mix until just combined to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
Skipping the Flour Toss: Not tossing blueberries in flour can cause them to sink during baking. Coat them lightly in flour to keep them suspended throughout the batter.
Not Checking Doneness: Baking times may vary based on your oven. Always check doneness with a toothpick and add time if needed.
Storing Incorrectly: Improper storage can dry out your banana bread. Be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
- Wrap slices or whole loaves in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds until just warmed.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread:
Can I substitute other fruits?
Yes! You can replace blueberries with raspberries or strawberries. Just ensure they are similarly prepared (tossed in flour if necessary).
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.
What is the best way to enjoy this bread?
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
How long does this banana bread last?
When properly stored, Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread stays fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds like walnuts or chia seeds can enhance flavor and texture. Just mix them into the batter along with blueberries.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread is a soft, flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with bright lemon zest and juicy blueberries. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding nuts or other fruits as you prefer. Try this delightful recipe today; it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you’re craving something special!
Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread, a moist and flavorful treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas with zesty lemon and juicy blueberries. This one-bowl recipe requires no mixer, making it a breeze to prepare for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With its vibrant citrus notes and the burst of blueberries in every bite, this banana bread is not just delicious but also made with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice.
- Add flour, baking soda, and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in blueberries coated in a little flour to prevent sinking.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
