If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients with bright, fresh flavors, this Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine a moist, tender bread that’s naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, bursting with juicy blueberries, and lifted by the zesty spark of fresh lemon—all wrapped up in the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a snack, or even an afternoon pick-me-up with your tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe, each bringing something special to the table. From the natural sweetness of bananas and the tart brightness of lemon zest to the tender texture created by Greek yogurt and the wholesome bite of whole wheat flour, every item is crucial for the perfect loaf.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
- 1 cup mashed bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, they keep the bread moist and flavorful.
- ¾ cup sugar: Adds sweet balance without overpowering the bananas and lemon.
- â…“ cup oil: Keeps the bread tender and soft, preventing dryness.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: Brings a subtle tang and extra moistness to the crumb.
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour: Offers hearty texture and an earthy depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup cornstarch or more whole wheat flour: Lightens the texture and makes the loaf tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the bread rises beautifully and has a light crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup blueberries: Bursting little pockets of juicy sweetness that contrast perfectly with the bread.
- 1 lemon (zest only): Adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens every bite.
How to Make Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 360°F, which is the perfect temperature to get that golden crust while maintaining a moist center. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your bread releases easily after baking, setting you up for a flawless presentation.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well blended. This combination creates the lush base of your batter, distributing moisture and sweetness evenly throughout the bread.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the whole wheat flour, cornstarch (or additional whole wheat flour if preferred), baking powder, and salt over your wet mix. Gently fold them in with a spatula, taking care not to overmix or develop too much gluten. This delicate folding preserves a tender texture, making each slice wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries and Lemon Zest
Carefully incorporate the blueberries and fresh lemon zest into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without smashing the berries. These ingredients add delightful bursts of flavor and vibrant color to your loaf, making every bite exciting.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin and smooth the top gently. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool a bit before slicing to enjoy that perfect crumb structure.
How to Serve Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of lemon-infused butter can elevate your slices even further. Fresh lemon zest or a few extra blueberries on top make for a pretty and flavorful finishing touch that impresses every time.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of fresh milk. For a more substantial accompaniment, try serving it alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with honey and granola for a vibrant breakfast or brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe thick and toast it lightly, then spread with cream cheese for a tangy contrast. You could also transform it into a decadent bread pudding by layering slices with custard and baking until golden. The possibilities to have fun with this loaf are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Wrapping slices individually in plastic wrap helps retain moisture if you plan to nibble on them over time without drying out.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully. Once cooled completely, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your banana bread back to fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a slice into the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds. A quick reheat boosts its flavor and soft texture, making it just as delicious as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! While whole wheat flour lends a heartier texture and nutty flavor, you can swap it with all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb. Keep in mind the bread may be softer and less dense.
Is it necessary to add cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used here to tenderize the bread and create a softer crumb, but if you don’t have any, simply add a little extra whole wheat flour instead. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Just fold them in while still frozen to minimize bleeding and keep your batter beautifully speckled with blueberry goodness.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal—they bring the most natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, ensuring it’s soft and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this bread, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes and use a plant-based yogurt. Keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture, but it will still be tasty and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a slice of homemade Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe—comforting, wholesome, and bursting with fresh flavors that brighten your day. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it on your own, this bread is sure to bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into this deliciously uplifting baking adventure!
Print
Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (9×5 inch)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful whole wheat banana bread bursting with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. This wholesome loaf combines mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat flour for a nourishing treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- ¾ cup sugar
- â…“ cup oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch or additional whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix wet ingredients with dry: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and Greek yogurt until combined. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour, cornstarch (or extra flour if preferred), baking powder, and salt on top of the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients; avoid overmixing to maintain bread tenderness.
- Add blueberries and lemon zest: Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Test the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean when fully baked. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and confirm the baking powder is gluten-free.
- You can replace cornstarch with additional whole wheat flour if preferred, but cornstarch helps lighten the texture.
- Using ripe bananas enhances sweetness and moisture.
- If fresh blueberries are not available, frozen can be used but do not thaw before folding in to prevent bleeding color into the batter.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
