Lemon-Blueberry Banana Bread

This Lemon-Blueberry Banana Bread brings two favorite types of quick breads together. Banana bread, warm with cinnamon and ginger, is studded with antioxidant-rich blueberries, while lemon infuses its bright, citrus undertones. Fiber-rich whole-wheat flour makes this bread hearty and slightly nutty. And the glaze—it’s literally the icing on the cake! This loaf is so moist and delicious, it could easily be enjoyed for brunch, a snack or dessert. Keep reading for our expert tips to achieve a picture-perfect loaf. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. The peels should be brown (not black) or at least have plenty of brown speckles.
• Freezing ripe bananas is an excellent way to always have some ready for baking. Let a bunch ripen on your countertop, then peel and store each one in its own zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.
• We recommend using an 8.5-by-4.5-inch loaf pan to achieve a taller and more impressive-looking loaf. If you choose to use a 9-by-5-inch pan, be aware that it may bake more quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the lemon glaze. If the bread is still warm, the glaze may melt, run or soak into the bread.

Nutrition Notes

• Bananas are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide your body with energy. The fiber in bananas helps fill you up and feeds your gut-loving bacteria. Known for their high potassium content, bananas can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
• Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that can help keep your blood vessels and brain healthy. They also add more fiber to this bread, which will help stabilize your blood sugar and make the energy you get from this bread last longer.
• Whole-wheat flour adds fiber and complex carbohydrates from whole grains to this bread. In addition to having the same benefits as the fruit fiber, the flour’s fiber will also help keep things moving through your gut.