Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread

This healthy blueberry banana bread is oil-free, super moist, and filled with juicy blueberries. Made with almond flour and oat flour, it's naturally sweetened with maple syrup. An easy, freezer-friendly breakfast, snack, or dessert – and it's gluten-free!

Update: This recipe was originally published in July 2022. I updated it with more details, helpful tips, and step-by-step photos to show how easy making this fluffy and healthy blueberry banana bread at home is!

Banana bread is one of those baked goods that never gets old. We love this classic banana bread, this fun chocolate banana bread with hidden veggies, and these healthy banana crumb muffins. So, naturally, here is a blueberry version!

This healthy blueberry banana bread is incredibly moist and fluffy without any oil or butter. Its soft texture is due to a mix of oat and almond flour, which add natural fats. The bread is naturally sweetened with mashed bananas and a touch of pure maple syrup. It does not contain random ingredients, oils, refined sugars, or gluten.

I also love that it's packed with juicy blueberries that burst in your mouth. This banana bread recipe makes the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. Best of all, you can use fresh or frozen blueberries, so it's perfect year-round!

Why you'll love this banana bread:

Bursting with blueberries: A classic healthy banana bread recipe packed with juicy blueberries.
No Oil or Butter: It is still so moist without oil!
Frozen or Fresh Blueberries: Enjoy this banana bread year-round with either fresh or frozen blueberries.
Healthier: This blueberry banana bread only uses wholesome and simple ingredients.
Naturally Sweetened: This banana bread is sweetened with mashed bananas and pure maple syrup, so it does not contain refined sugars!

Ingredients

You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to make this deliciously moist blueberry banana bread. It's gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free. Here's a list of what you'll need to get started:

Eggs: Unlike traditional recipes, this banana bread calls for three eggs to add fluffiness, structure, and protein.
Bananas: Pick super-ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the more natural sweetness and flavor are added to the bread.
Maple Syrup: This healthy banana bread is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, my favorite refined sugar-free sweetener for baking.
Vanilla Extract: Just a dash goes a long way, flavor-wise.
Almond Flour: This recipe uses almond flour, which is higher in natural fats and moistens the banana bread without needing butter or oil. I recommend Bob's Red Mill and avoid almond meal or Trader Joe's almond flour (it can make baked goods mushy).
Oat Flour: Oat flour is my favorite healthy, cost-effective flour. You can also easily make your own by blending rolled oats!
Cinnamon: Just a dash for the best classic banana bread flavor.
Baking Powder & Soda: These help the banana bread rise and create a soft, fluffy crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
Blueberries: I love blueberries! You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. Once baked, they become super juicy and sweet.

Instructions

Any level baker can make this easy and healthy blueberry banana bread. It comes together in a few steps with simple ingredients. Here are step-by-step directions and pictures for visual reference:

almond flour, oat flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl

adding almond flour, cinnamon, oat flour, baking soda, and packing powder to the wet ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

healthy banana bread batter with blueberries in a load tin

Fold in blueberries with a spatula and pour batter into the greased bread tin.

healthy blueberry banana bread baked in a loaf tin

Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and enjoying!

Top tips

Measure Your Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour accurately. Avoid packing it into the measuring cup to prevent a dry loaf.
Use High-Quality Almond Flour, Not Almond Meal: Almond flour is key for a moist, fluffy texture. Make sure to use high-quality almond flour (like Bob's Red Mill) instead of almond meal, which can make the bread too dense and crumbly.
Let It Cool: Let your blueberry banana bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for further cooling. Since this recipe does not use oil or butter, the bread needs time to cool and set.

Substitutions & Variations

Make them Gluten-Free - This banana bread is already gluten-free, thanks to the almond flour and oat flour!
Make them Dairy-Free - This recipe is naturally dairy-free since there is no butter.
Maple Syrup - You can swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
The Flours - I have not tested another flour in this banana bread. Please stick to almond flour and oat flour. If you want all-purpose or gluten-free flour, try this banana bread and add blueberries to it.
Blueberries - Use raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fun twist. Make sure they are patted dry when you add them to the batter.
Blueberry Lemon Bread - For a blueberry lemon twist, remove the cinnamon and add 2 teaspoon of lemon zest instead.
Chocolate Chips - If you love a little sweetness, add dairy-free chocolate chips or carob chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Banana Nut Bread - Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a banana nut bread variation.

Equipment

Equipment can make a big difference in how your banana bread turns out. Here's what you'll need:

Whisk + Spatula
Bread Loaf Tin
Parchment Paper
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Tools

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or cover the original bread tin with aluminum foil to keep them fresh. For longer freshness, you can also store banana bread in the fridge. Fun fact: banana bread actually tastes even better and stays moister the day after you bake it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work great! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing them to avoid extra moisture.

Why is my banana bread dry?

Banana bread can be dry for two reasons: (1) overbaking or (2) adding too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, avoid substituting almond flour in this recipe for the best results.

Can I make the banana bread into muffins?

Yes! To make muffins, line a cupcake tin and fill it with the banana bread batter. Top with extra blueberries and bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can you freeze banana bread?

Yes! Let the banana bread cool completely, then slice it and place individual slices in freezer-safe bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight or microwave slices for 30–60 seconds until warm.

How do you know when banana bread goes bad?

Banana bread goes bad when it develops mold or a sour smell. If it becomes excessively dry or hard, it's best to discard it. Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

healthy blueberry banana bread made with almond flour and oat flour

More healthy blueberry & banana recipes!

If you liked this healthy banana bread, here are some more recipes you might like:

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out! And tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram with #healthfulblondie—I'd love to see and share your creations!

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Comments

5 from 25 votes (13 ratings without comment)