Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of blueberries and bananas in a warm, freshly baked loaf of banana bread. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with juicy bursts of blueberries, while the crumbly, buttery topping adds the perfect touch of texture. This Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Banana bread has always been a comfort food, but adding blueberries and a crunchy crumb topping takes it to a whole new level. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients or baking skills. Just mix, pour, sprinkle, and bake. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the warm aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and baked fruit.

If you’ve ever struggled with banana bread turning out too dense, blueberries sinking to the bottom, or a crumb topping that melts instead of staying crunchy, this recipe has all the solutions. You’ll learn how to create a perfect balance of moisture and texture while keeping every bite packed with blueberries and that irresistible crumb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Banana Bread

This isn’t just any banana bread. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s why you will love this recipe:

The Perfect Flavor Combination

Bananas bring natural sweetness and a soft, moist texture, while blueberries add a slight tartness and juicy bursts in every bite. The vanilla and brown sugar enhance the flavors, making each slice rich and satisfying.

Crunchy, Buttery Crumb Topping

A good banana bread is already delicious, but adding a crumb topping takes it to the next level. Made with almond flour, brown sugar, and butter, this crunchy layer adds texture and a slight caramelized flavor that makes each bite even more irresistible.

Easy to Make and Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a lazy weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or to impress guests, this recipe is simple yet impressive. It requires basic ingredients and no special baking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Naturally Sweet and Customizable

With ripe bananas and blueberries providing natural sweetness, you can easily adjust the sugar levels to your preference. Want a little extra crunch? Sprinkle some chopped nuts into the crumb topping. Prefer a dairy-free version? Swap out the butter for coconut oil

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this blueberry banana bread so special.

For the Blueberry Crunchy Crumb Topping

This topping adds a delicious crunch and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the soft banana bread.

• Blueberries (1/2 cup) – Washed but not dried, so they stay juicy and slightly burst as they bake.
• Almond flour (3/4 cup) – Gives the topping a slightly nutty flavor and a delicate crumb.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup) – Adds warmth and caramel-like sweetness.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted) – Helps create that crispy, buttery crumble.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors of the topping.
• Turbinado sugar (1 tablespoon) – Adds extra crunch and a beautiful golden finish.

For the Blueberry Banana Bread

This soft, moist bread is packed with flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness.

• Flour (1 1/2 cups) – The base of the bread, providing structure.
• Baking soda (1 1/4 teaspoons) – Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• White sugar (1/2 cup) & brown sugar (1/2 cup) – A mix of both sugars provides moisture and depth of flavor.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs (2 large, room temperature) – Give the bread structure and help it rise.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons) – Adds warmth and enhances the banana flavor.
• Mashed bananas (3/4 cup, about two bananas) – The heart of the recipe, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
• Blueberries (1 cup) – Fresh and juicy, bringing bursts of flavor to each bite.
• Flour (1/2 tablespoon, for coating blueberries) – Helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom.

How to Make Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this blueberry banana bread with a crunchy crumb topping.

1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating it with butter or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

2: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine almond flour, brown sugar, and turbinado sugar.
2. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix with a fork until the mixture forms small crumbs.
3. Gently fold in the blueberries. Set aside.

3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside while preparing the wet ingredients.

4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with either a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5: Mash and Add the Bananas

1. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
2. Fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture until well combined.

6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula.
2. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread may turn out dense.

7: Fold in the Blueberries

1. Toss the blueberries with 1/2 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread
2. Gently fold the coated blueberries into the batter.

8: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
3. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil for the last 15 minutes.

9: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool thoroughly..
2. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for a Success Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

Baking the perfect blueberry banana bread is all about getting the details right. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve a moist, flavorful loaf with a crunchy crumb topping every time.

Selecting Properly Ripe Bananas

The best bananas for banana bread are overripe ones with dark brown spots on the peel. They should be soft but not completely mushy. Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread rich in flavor. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until they darken.

Preventing Blueberries from Sinking

Blueberries have a tendency to sink to the bottom of the batter, but there’s an easy fix. Toss them in 1/2 tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps suspend the berries throughout the bread, giving you even distribution in every slice.

Checking for Doneness

Banana bread can sometimes look done on the outside but still be raw inside. To make sure it’s fully baked:

• Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Lightly press the top of the loaf—if it springs back instead of sinking, it’s ready.
• If the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t done, loosely tent the bread with foil and continue baking.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage keeps your banana bread fresh for days:

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the fridge: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm up in the microwave when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

This blueberry banana bread is already delicious, but sometimes you want to switch things up. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version, a nutty crunch, or a chocolatey twist, here are some creative ways to customize your loaf.

Healthier Whole Wheat Option

For a more fiber-rich version, swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also replace half the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content while keeping the bread moist.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this bread gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture will still be soft and fluffy.

Nutty Crunch Addition

If you love a bit of crunch, mix 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. You can also sprinkle extra nuts on top along with the crumb topping for even more texture.

Chocolate Lover’s Twist

For a sweeter variation, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter. The combination of bananas, blueberries, and chocolate makes for an irresistible treat.

Coconut & Almond Delight

Swap the almond flour in the crumb topping for shredded coconut for a tropical flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the nuttiness.

Extra Moist Banana Bread

If you want a super moist loaf, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. This makes the bread softer and even more flavorful.

There are endless ways to tweak this recipe to match your taste preferences. Now, let’s dive into some essential tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time.

If you enjoy homemade baked goods, you’ll love these naturally sweet and wholesome GAPS Raisin Muffins!

FAQs About Blueberry Banana Bread with Crumb Topping

Do blueberries taste good in banana bread?

Absolutely! Blueberries add juicy bursts of sweetness and slight tartness, balancing the rich, moist banana bread.

How to make banana bread crumble?

A simple crumble topping consists of flour (or almond flour), sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until it forms coarse crumbs, then sprinkle over the batter before baking.

When can you no longer use bananas for banana bread?

If bananas are completely blackened, moldy, or have a fermented smell, they are past their prime. If they are just extra soft and spotty, they are perfect!

Do banana and blueberry go together?

Yes! The natural sweetness of bananas complements the slightly tart, juicy blueberries, creating a delicious flavor balance.

How do you keep blueberries from sinking in banana bread?

Toss them in flour before incorporating them into the batter.. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution.

Conclusion

Blueberry banana bread with a crunchy crumb topping is undoubtedly the perfect blend of sweetness, texture, and comforting flavors. Moreover, with its moist banana base, bursts of juicy blueberries, and irresistible topping, it’s certainly a treat that works for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. In addition, this recipe is not only simple and adaptable, but also ideal for meal prep or sharing with loved ones.

Now it’s your turn to try it! First, experiment with your own variations, and then let us know how it turns out. Furthermore, if you have a favorite twist on banana bread, please don’t hesitate to test it with this recipe.

Finally, we’d love to hear about your baking adventures, so share your thoughts in the comments below. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients and prepare for a delightful baking session. Consequently, you’ll soon be enjoying every delicious bite of this wonderful treat!

Need another breakfast treat? These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups make the perfect weekend indulgence!

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