At SofyaRecipes, every bake is more than just flour and sugar—it’s a memory, a moment, a connection. This blueberry banana nut bread is one of those recipes that brings together everything we love about summer baking: ripe fruit, golden sunshine, and the comforting scent of something sweet rising in the oven.
Growing up, banana bread was a staple. But come summertime, my mother would toss in freshly picked blueberries and a handful of toasted walnuts, transforming the familiar into something truly special. This recipe captures that joyful twist—classic, moist banana bread meets tangy blueberries and buttery nuts, all in one golden loaf.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, prepping snacks for the week, or gifting something homemade, this loaf never fails to bring smiles. Like our festive cinnamon banana bread or blueberry coconut flour pancakes, it’s a reader favorite for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Why This Blueberry Banana Nut Bread Is a Must-Bake
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Fresh Summer Flavor: Bursts of sweet blueberries balance the richness of bananas.
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Crunchy Texture: Toasted walnuts add nutty contrast and a satisfying bite.
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Naturally Sweet: No need to overdo the sugar when ripe bananas and berries bring natural goodness.
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Versatile & Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and keep slices ready for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients for Blueberry Banana Nut Bread (Serves 4)
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3 overripe bananas, mashed
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2 large eggs
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⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil
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½ cup granulated or coconut sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
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½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
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Optional: turbinado sugar for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, stirring until just combined.
Fold in Blueberries and Nuts
Gently fold in blueberries (dust them with flour first to avoid sinking) and walnuts. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
Bake
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with extra nuts, blueberries, and turbinado sugar. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Slice and serve warm or cooled.
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
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Use Ripe Bananas: The darker and softer, the better—they add depth and natural sweetness.
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Toss Berries in Flour: Prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to keep the bread light and fluffy.
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Go Dairy-Free: Coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips make this loaf vegan-friendly.
Creative Variations of Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
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Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips or a swirl of melted dark chocolate for a dessert-like loaf.
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Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest can add brightness.
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely for allergy-friendly baking.
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Mini Loaves: Divide into muffin tins or mini loaf pans for individual servings.
Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
This blueberry banana nut bread is delicious on its own but shines with a few thoughtful pairings:
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Served warm with a pat of butter or nut butter
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Alongside fluffy cinnamon pancakes for a brunch spread
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With a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
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Toasted with a drizzle of maple syrup
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As a tea-time treat with mint chocolate chip cookies
How to Store and Freeze Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–7 days. Warm slices slightly before serving.
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Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced, wrapped in foil or freezer bags. Lasts up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Benefits of Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
This bread offers more than taste:
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Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting fruit
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Bananas: High in potassium and natural sweetness
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Walnuts: Loaded with healthy fats and protein
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Minimal Added Sugar: Relying mostly on fruit for sweetness
For more on banana bread health benefits, check out The Kitchn’s banana bread science or King Arthur Baking’s troubleshooting guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
How do I toast walnuts?
Toast at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Learn how from Serious Eats’ nut toasting guide.
Reader Reviews & Comments
“This is the BEST banana bread I’ve made. The blueberries are a game-changer!” – Jen H.
“Swapped in chocolate chips for my kids and they loved it. Great texture!” – Roberta T.
“So easy and so good. I added lemon zest and used almond flour—delicious!” – Myra D.