Vibrant Blueberry-Banana Loaf
This Vibrant Blueberry-Banana Loaf is a delightful and health-conscious twist on traditional banana bread. Created from an abundance of ripe bananas and fresh blueberries, this recipe prioritizes wholesome ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour adds a nutty undertone, while oats contribute a hearty texture. Sweetened naturally with sugar and complemented by the moistness of unsweetened applesauce, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. With no added fats, this bread is not only guilt-free but also bursting with antioxidants from the blueberries. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with a touch of your favorite nut butter for an unforgettable treat.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
oats
1/2 cup (rolled or quick)
eggs
2 (beaten)
unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
very ripe bananas
3 (mashed (approx. 1 cup))
fresh blueberries
1 cup (washed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and oats until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the unsweetened applesauce and the mashed bananas until smooth.
4
Gently fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
5
Add the fresh blueberries and fold them in carefully to prevent them from breaking apart.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Blueberry-Banana Loaf?
It is a health-conscious and flavorful twist on traditional banana bread that incorporates fresh blueberries, whole wheat flour, and oats.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, this recipe is low fat as it uses unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or butter to provide moisture.
How many bananas are required?
You will need 3 very ripe bananas, which should equal approximately 1 cup when mashed.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
While the recipe calls for fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones; do not thaw them beforehand to prevent the batter from turning purple.
How long does the loaf take to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
How do I know when the bread is done?
The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of oats should I use?
You can use either rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the instructions recommend sifting the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour together with other dry ingredients.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease a standard loaf pan before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
Can I add nuts to this bread?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the flavors and add a nice crunch.
How should I store the leftover bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Can I substitute the sugar?
You can use a sugar alternative or honey, though it may slightly alter the texture and moisture level.
Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce is used as a healthy substitute for fats like oil or butter while keeping the loaf moist.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed with the other wet ingredients.
Is there a specific way to add the blueberries?
Gently fold the blueberries into the batter at the very end to prevent them from breaking and staining the bread.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Can I make muffins from this batter?
Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin, but you will need to reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this loaf?
It is delicious fresh, but also tastes great toasted with a touch of nut butter.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall flavor.
How long should the bread cool?
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use only all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with more all-purpose flour if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, the combination of fruit, oats, and whole grains makes it an excellent breakfast option.
What makes the bananas 'very ripe'?
Very ripe bananas usually have many brown spots on the peel and are soft to the touch, making them sweeter.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the use of whole wheat flour, oats, bananas, and blueberries provides a good amount of dietary fiber.
Can I use salted applesauce?
It is recommended to use unsweetened, plain applesauce to control the sodium and sugar content.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake two loaves at once, but ensure your oven has enough space for air circulation.