If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that bursts with fruity goodness and a hint of warm spice, you absolutely have to try this Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe. It combines perfectly ripe bananas and juicy blueberries in a moist, tender loaf crowned by a delightful cinnamon sugar crust that adds a subtle crunch and sweetness. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and enjoy fresh or frozen berries in a dessert or morning snack that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe plays an essential role. From the fluffy texture created by the flour and baking soda, to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the juicy pop of blueberries — every component works in harmony to craft a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and character.
- All purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure that holds the bread together while keeping it tender.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread stays soft and delicious.
- White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warm, comforting notes that complement the fruit perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the cinnamon sugar topping for that irresistible crust.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb, essential for moist banana bread.
- Overripe bananas: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Blueberries (fresh or thawed frozen): Add bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast perfectly with the bread.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a warm, spicy finish that elevates every bite.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan generously with butter and coat it with sugar—this little step creates a beautifully sweet, crunchy crust that makes this bread extra special. If you prefer, you can skip the sugar coating and just use cooking spray, but the sugared crust is worth the extra touch!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your bread will rise evenly and have a tender texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate measuring cup, mix the milk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise while the vanilla adds a lovely fragrance.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Bananas and Eggs
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Mash your ripe bananas and add them along with the eggs, mixing until you get a chunky but combined batter. This adds natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
Step 5: Combine All and Fold in Blueberries
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Stir until just combined to keep the batter tender; it’s okay if it looks a bit lumpy. Gently fold in your fresh or thawed blueberries, being careful not to break them up too much.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and even out the top. Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This cinnamon sugar topping will bake into a golden, slightly crunchy layer that makes this bread irresistible.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be a dark golden brown, and you’ll notice a lovely crack down the center. Let the bread cool completely before removing it from the pan; you can slice into it after about 15-20 minutes if you can’t wait.
How to Serve Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey pairs beautifully with this bread. You can also add a smear of cream cheese or butter for an indulgent twist that complements the sweet cinnamon sugar topping.
Side Dishes
Whether enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee or a frothy chai tea latte, this Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe shines as the perfect companion. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut thick slices and serve stacked with layers of whipped cream and fresh blueberries for an eye-catching dessert. Alternatively, toast the bread lightly and top with ricotta and a drizzle of maple syrup for a refined breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days to maintain its moisture and flavor. Wrapping it tightly helps prevent it from drying out, keeping every slice soft and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. This Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a slice anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To warm up slices from the fridge or freezer, pop them in the toaster or microwave until heated through. The cinnamon sugar topping will regain its sweet crunch, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen blueberries well before folding them into the batter to prevent extra moisture from making the bread soggy.
Do I have to use white vinegar?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with lemon juice or simply omit it—your bread may be slightly less airy but still delicious.
Can I substitute the unsalted butter with oil?
While butter adds richness and flavor, you can use an equal amount of neutral oil if needed. Keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better! Brown-spotted, very soft bananas bring out the best natural sweetness and moisture for this bread.
Is it necessary to coat the pan with sugar?
While you can skip the sugaring and just grease your pan, coating it with sugar creates a wonderful crunchy crust that elevates the texture and appearance of your Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe is one of those soul-soothing treats that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for family breakfasts, gifting it to friends, or just sneaking slices for yourself, it brings joy and comfort easily and beautifully. Give it a try and let the sweet cinnamon aroma fill your kitchen—it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
PrintBlueberry Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe
This Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Topping combines moist, ripe bananas and bursting blueberries in a tender, flavorful loaf. Topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. The natural sweetness of the bananas and berries paired with a hint of vanilla and a crunchy topping offers a delightful taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons (105ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 medium bananas, brown spotted and overripe
- 2 large eggs
Sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for topping)
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed and drained if frozen
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter, then coat it with about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar by tipping and rotating the pan until all sides and the bottom are evenly covered. This coating creates a sweet crust. If preferred, cooking spray can be used but it won’t produce the sugary crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium or large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the milk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar and milk will mimic buttermilk, helping the bread to rise and stay tender.
- Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Bananas and Eggs: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork, then add them to the butter and sugar mixture along with the eggs. Mix together until combined but still slightly chunky.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the milk mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined; the batter will be slightly lumpy. Do not overmix. Fold in the blueberries carefully to maintain them intact.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan to create a sweet, spiced topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The bread edges will be a dark golden brown and a crack should appear along the top.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it to slice. For easier slicing, you may let it cool about 15-20 minutes before cutting while still warm.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Using white vinegar with milk mimics buttermilk which lends tenderness to the bread.
- Greasing the pan with butter and coating with sugar creates a sweet crust; do not substitute with cooking spray if you want this effect.
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added; a few lumps are fine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This bread freezes well; be sure to wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.