Oh my goodness, let’s talk about comfort food! I can’t even begin to express how much I love this Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a cozy Sunday morning. It brings back memories of rainy afternoons spent baking with my grandma. She would whip up a fragrant loaf that filled the house with warm, sweet spice, and just as we pulled it from the oven, I would sneak a slice with a pat of butter while it was still warm. Every bite takes me back to those special moments!
What makes this recipe unique is not just the delicious combination of flavors but the added crunch of cinnamon sugar on top. This delightful addition elevates the humble banana bread to a gourmet treat. And if you think you can’t get enough blueberries in your life, let me assure you, throwing in a cup of them makes this bread crisp, juicy, and so satisfying. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with sweetness, let’s dive into the details!
What’s in Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread?
Ripe Bananas: The star of our show! Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making them perfect for baking. Plus, mashing them releases all that delicious banana goodness.
Melted Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the bread. I always opt for unsalted so I can control the saltiness of my baked goods better.
Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent. It helps the banana bread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Sugar: We use granulated sugar to sweeten the batter while helping it caramelize when baked. You can also switch it up with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Large Egg: Beaten eggs act as a binder, bringing the batter together for that perfect texture we want in our bread.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla gives it a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas oh-so-well.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our bread provides structure. Just be careful not to overmix; we want it tender, not tough!
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Juicy blueberries add bursts of flavor in every bite. If using frozen, no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the batter!
Cinnamon Sugar (for topping): This sweet, spicy topping is the cherry on top—literally! It’ll create a crunchy crust that’s simply scrumptious.
All-Purpose Flour (for tossing blueberries): A little flour helps keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom. Trust me, it works like a charm!
Is Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread Good for You?
While it’s hard to consider anything that tastes this good as “healthy,” there are some perks!
– Bananas: They’re rich in potassium and powered with vitamins. Plus, they add natural sweetness without the need for loads of added sugar.
– Blueberries: These berries are mini nutrition powerhouses, filled with antioxidants and vitamins that benefit heart health and brain function.
That said, let’s be real—it’s banana bread! It does contain sugar and butter, so while it’s an indulgence, it’s a fantastic treat to share with family or friends. Moderation is key!
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if preferred)
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss the blueberries)
Serves: 8-10 slices
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—whatever suits your fancy!
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with a fork—don’t worry about being too perfect!
3. Stir in the melted butter until combined, then mix in the baking soda and pinch of salt.
4. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until nicely combined.
5. Fold the flour into the mixture gently, being careful not to overmix. You want it just combined; a few lumps are totally okay!
6. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour—this trick will keep them suspended in our yummy batter instead of sinking.
7. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. I like to do this with a spatula to keep them intact.
8. Pour that glorious batter into your loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the top generously—go wild with this!
10. Pop it into the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—a beautiful sight!
11. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips!
If you have leftovers (which is a huge if!), this bread toasts beautifully. Just pop a slice in the toaster, then slather it with cream cheese or butter for a yummy treat. You can also slice it and freeze it; it’s perfect for quick breakfasts later on!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some walnuts for crunch or even a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a flavor twist. The possibilities are endless!
I hope you give this Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Banana Bread a try! I can’t wait for you to slice into it and soak up all the cozy smells that come straight from your kitchen. Do share your baking adventures—I love hearing about your kitchen triumphs! Happy baking!
