Between the bananas, the blueberries, the coconut and the nuts and the butter I slathered on there…yes, this is the best banana bread you’ll ever make.
I know everyone has their version of banana bread, but this one is worth trying.
Let’s give it a whirl…
Here’s what you will need: Bananas, buttermilk, granulated sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, coconut, eggs, blueberries, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda and table salt.
In a medium bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon table salt. Set aside.
Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until white and fluffy; about three minutes. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixture alternating with 1/3 cup buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients.
The Hungry Housewife said to find four ripe, super nasty bananas to mash up. Do you think these fit the requirements? Two are super nasty and the other two are getting their but were very ripe.
Stir in mashed bananas, 1 cup coconut, 1 Tablespoon vanilla, 1 cup blueberries and 1 cup walnuts. I used frozen blueberries which is why they appear so shriveled looking.
Lightly grease or line with parchment (as I did) two 8 x 4 loaf pans. Fill both pans with batter and throw a handful of blueberries on top.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with only a slight amount of crumbs on it.
Try to wait until it cools before slicing into it.
Of course I didn’t wait. I sliced right in. I know, I’m pathetic.
How could I wait…just look at it.
I wish I could have had a slice yesterday morning…here was the view outside our window in Oregon. It would have gone well with our coffee. This is not a black and white photo, it was just snowing really hard. Of course the kids were in heaven.
Banana Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
4 ripe, nasty looking bananas, smooshed up real good
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup shredded, sweetened coconut
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed), plus a handful for sprinkling on top
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and table salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter and sugar until white and fluffy; about three minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixture alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients.
Stir in mashed bananas, coconut, vanilla, 1 cup blueberries and walnuts. I used frozen blueberries which is why they appear so shriveled looking.
Lightly grease or line with parchment (as I did) two 8 x 4 loaf pans. Fill both pans with batter and throw a handful of blueberries on top.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with only a slight amount of crumbs on it.
Try to wait until it cools before slicing into it. I didn’t.
nina says
I must say it is the best looking banana loaf I have ever seen. I am not normally a fan!!! With the melting butter, it looks so divine!!!!
Culinarywannabe says
The texture looks amazing! I’m always nervous to make banana bread because it’s my mom’s “baking star” and you know how it is with mom’s cooking (you can’t ever top it!). But this one is totally different with all the yummy add-ins. I’ll have to try it!
Laura says
Coconut in banana bread? That’s genius.
Julia says
I can see what it’s the best! Coconut is that secret ingredient in so many recipes (my bread pudding,for example, š ). And I really like the idea of ripe and mushy bananas — gives depth of flavor and texture. Brilliant.
Pigpigscorner says
It sure does look like the best banana cake! It looks so moist and looks really good with the berries and butter!
Rindy R says
How could that Banana Bread be bad? Wow it looks amazingly moist and flavorful! Looks like you have some great hills for sledding! Lucky you!
Auds at Barking Mad says
I bet that smelled wonderful whilst baking.
I think it’s an omen that I have some overripe bananas (that’s just my nice way of saying nearly rotten!) and blueberries on hand. Must make this. Well, sans the nuts because they make my tongue swell…which is unfortunate because I love them!
[email protected] Cutting Edge of Ordinary says
Oh man. That looks so good. I want some now!
Scary Mommy says
Ohhhhh, yum. I must say, that looks much better than my recipe!
gfe--gluten free easily says
Another wonderful way to use my baking bananas in the freezer. This bread looks fabulous! I have to agree with others that the coconut convinces me it’s the best. Great snowy photo, too–hooligan heaven indeed!
Shirley
Rosa says
Wow, what a great texture! These Banana Breads look scrumptious!
Nice view!
Cheers,
Rosa
Donna-FFW says
I am so all over this as I love baking with bananas! I am so adding you to my bloglist thingie, I dont want to miss your stuff! I love your recipes!!
Lori says
What a great idea to add blueberries, looks awesome! And I – like your kids – would’ve been loving that snow! š
Barbie with a T says
Looks absolutely delicious. I am definitely going to make this banana bread. I see nuts in the ingredients, and I assume they are pecans? Also, the picture of the snowy view from your window will be so comforting when you are in your new home out there!
Mental P Mama says
I don’t think it’s fair to call that banana bread! It’s Banana-Blueberry-Coco-Wal-Nut extravaganza. And I want some.
Jennifer says
I’d never think to add blueberries or coconut to banana bread. I’ll bet it was good!
What a great picture! It’s funny, isn’t it? When it gets cloudy and snows, everything takes on a very black and white look. It always reminds me of Ansel Adams photos.
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says
Beautiful! I love the idea of blueberries in the banana bread too – it looks so delicious and healthy!
MsMVNJ says
Oh man that looks good – I’ll have to give that one a try.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
It was a real shock waking up yesterday to snow, especially since the week before it was over 60 degrees. This bread looks heavenly. Warm with butter…wish I had a slice.
HoneyB says
Ok, I believe you….This is the next banana recipe I am going to make!! My god – I’m sitting here having not eaten breakfast and no food in the office. I’m dying and you just helped kill me a little faster! š
Leslie says
Oh my goodness I am a star! I made to to your website!! I am sooooo glad you liked my banana bread!!! After years of tinkering w/ the recipe, I think I came up with a keeper!!!!! Thanks so much again for featuring my Banana Bread!!!
Mama Goose says
Yum! I’m making this tonight!
Asthmagirl says
Oh my! It looks fantastic! No, really! And dang it, I have all the ingredients…
marcy says
We love banana bread, but if I made this recipe it would have to be without the coconut – as hubby is allergic to it…
larry says
ditch the blueberries and add pineapple. Pina Colada Bread!
Misty says
YUMMY! These look divine! I hope you are doing well Cathy!
Saver Queen says
WOW. I make a mean banana bread but this looks amazing!!! I mean, really, really good!
However, I must say that one of the reasons I make banana bread is just to use up those bananas. It’s something I can make without any special ingredients and I don’t usually have blueberries or coconut lying around (although maybe I should.) I tend to make goodies that use up my pantry stash and don’t require extra ingredients.
That being said, I could sure go for a slice right now as I sip my coffee…. mmmm
Katrina says
Stinkin’ yum! NOw if we could just get Leslie to give out her top secret chocolate chip cookie recipe! She said she won’t even give it to family members! Sigh.
Stephanie says
Of course the kids are in heaven now about the snow. Wait until they have to go to school in the snow. But then they may just love the idea of snow days. i know I did. š
dawn says
Now those are some serious pictures of warm bread with melting butter on it. I am trying this now. No more words or encouragement needed. I love coconut in breads.
Cathy-wheresmydamnanswer says
WOW does that look so DAMN good – Love how she changed it up and created her own masterpiece!!
bridgett says
I tried this recipe a while back and it is definitely the best one out there that I have found!
Such a tranquil picture of the snow. I almost wish it would snow where I am…almost.
Alisa says
Why are you so mean to me? Really? I thought we were friends. š
melissa says
Oh my does that EVER look good! I’m making that later today.
Have you ever made Penzey’s Alabama Blueberry Bread. It’s VERY good to.
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/recipes/r-penzeysalabamablueberrybread.html
threeundertwo says
I love pointing out the line in my cookbook that says “allow banana bread to sit overnight before slicing.” Drives my family completely crazy. We never wait either. We’re such mavericks.
This looks awesome. I threw some mini chocolate chips in my last batch of banana bread and I was Queen For a Day around here.
The masses are so easy to please, aren’t they?
Liz C. says
Yummmmm! This has all the elements of death by deliciousness. I’m trying so hard to diet and you are not helping!!! I gain pounds just reading your posts.
elra says
Cathy, that is indeed look divine!
Cheers,
Elra
Laurie says
Leslie’s banana bread does in fact look like the best recipe – ever. And your photos are awesome. I want to take a big bite (or 20) right now. My family eats bananas so fast they never get brown. I’m going to have to hide some to make this!
Love your snow picture. I would have been in heaven right along with the boys. I LOVE snowstorms!
Fun House Jennifer says
Ooooh–that looks good! I love the idea of the banana w/ blueberries!
annbb says
Nothin’ better than bread warm from the oven and slathered with butter! Doesn’t get much better than that! That bread looks yummy.
Sandie says
I agree. This looks delicious! You can never have too many worthy banana bread recipes.
Bob says
I think my girlfriend would freak out if I suggested a new banana bread recipe. It’s the only thing she makes and she’s quite attached to the recipe. Which is too bad, I want to try that! I’ll trade you some scrambled eggs for some. š
Helene says
I love making banana bread. This is a recipe that I bookmarked. Thanks for sharing.
The Duo Dishes says
Ohhhhhh. Why can’t we have a piece of this right now? Of course all banana breads have to be eaten very warm so all the butter melts right into it!!! We wouldn’t be able to wait either.
Laura says
Omigod that looks so good–imagine my devastation when I realized it had the dreaded banana in it! Yet another recipe making me desperately wish I liked bananas.
Marlene says
OMG…This will be on my baking list this weekend. I may have to have one taste as well.
Love the snowy photo!! Beautiful!
Rosa says
This sounds wonderful! I will have to make in the near future. Thanks for sharing.
Biz says
Um pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to wait to cut into that too!
My daughter would love this recipe – thanks!
phillygirl64 says
Sorry…walnuts ruin it for me…will have to test without š
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
I think this is the first time I have ever seen blueberries in banana bread. Not that I think that’s a bad thing mind you. I’m loving this recipe.
Sorry about your snow. The east coast is being hit with some incredible spring-like weather today, but I can’t enjoy it as I’m stuck in the office.
Jamie says
Ah, I have to admit that this bread looks so super delectable! Possibly even better than mine *sigh*
kayola says
ohhhhh…yummm…coconut is one of my favorite ingredients in so many things…can’t wait to try it….and that view….beautiful! And HOLY COW…50 comments already…seriously what’s the trick to getting so many followers???? You are just so awesome…I can see I’m not the only one who thinks so…
dawn says
What a beautiful view…just amazing. And the bread I must make it…what a great twist on banana bread!
KathyB. says
I think by the looks and sound of it, Leslie is right about her banana bread, and I have been feeling like baking something filling and good for awhile . This banana bread seems to fit the bill!
Your outside scene looks like our outside scene yesterday, but the sun is shining brightly now…maybe a bit of spring…oh won’t that banana bread be wonderful for breakfast on the porch with fresh coffee ?
Pam says
I have two nasty bananas to use up, I really want to try this! Anything with coconut makes me happy.
It snowed yesterday in Portland too – my kids had so much fun playing in it.
clumbsycookie says
Of course you could not wait!!!
Lo! says
Gotta admit it. I would never have thought to put blueberries in my banana bread… but why not?? this looks great!
Kate says
You had me at hello.
Marjie says
I love banana bread any day of the week!
Kristy - Where's My Damn Answer says
Oh wow … this looks fabulous. I haven’t made banana bread in YEARS!
Katie says
That does look like the best! I am going to try it, I love the blueberry addition.
Choosy Beggar Tina says
You know, I might just have 50 versions of banana bread…all of which I make!! But THIS one, I mean, THIS ONE!! I’ve never used blueberries or coconut, and now I feel betrayed by my own lack of creativity. Thankyou to you and Hungry Mom!
Julie says
Looks like a nice upgrade from the usual banana bread…I couldn’t have waited either!
Paula says
Oh yummy, yum, yum! I’ve never had anything like this! My husband would snarf them down right out of the oven! Glad the hooligans got to play in the snow! It was actually sunny here in Beaverton today! Hope you had a great trip to your vinyard-in-the-making! š
Blond Duck says
I have to agree! I could use a piece of that myself!
sharon says
I never can wait till bread cools to slice it! This looks so heavenly.
Shawn says
That looks really scrumptious! Can’t wait to try it! thanks
Dee says
I want snow! I’m turning into a puddle here; it’s hotter than hell. That cake looks amazing, although I thought mine was the best š
grace says
of course it’s the best–there are blueberries involved! moist. luscious. love. š
imom says
I have never found a banana bread recipe that I love, I’m going to have to try this one out! It’s looks delicious.
tipper says
Looks like the best ever-I’m going to soon find out for myself!
Alanna says
Oh my….this looks like it totally outdoes the banana bread I just made. Good thing my loaf is gone, because I’m going to have to make this one now!!!!
Mike says
That does look like a heck of a banana bread. And I’m definitely trying the blueberries and coconut next time I make a loaf!
Melissa says
That snow shot looks crazy.
I have to say, though I never thought I liked banana bread, that blend of ingredients, along with your delicious photo, make me really want to try it again. Nice job on Leslie’s part and thanks for sharing it further.
Woman in a window says
Hey, that’s cheating. That’s banana-blueberry-coconut-walnut-sofa bread. That’s got everything! Being a purist (HA!) I’ve got the best banana bread. Well, my mom. (But that looks great for banana-blueberry-coco…)
Rico says
Shoot …such a nice and beautifully moist cake I must start making more sweets, I just afraid I’ll eat them all though and grow fat…as If I made something like these I would be tempted to eat most of it by myself…:)
Stonesmama says
My two loaves just came out of the oven. The house smells wonderful. I, too, couldn’t wait for it to cool. My husband and I just ate two slices with butter. OMG!!!! I’m trying your bacon pull apart bread tomorrow for brunch. Thanks for all the great recipes. This is one of my very favorite sites.
Brownies for Dinner says
I just tried this recipe, it is *really good*. I’m not sure I would have tried it if you hadn’t said “She said it was the best”. I’m always up for a challenge like that. haha.
These don’t really compare because they are very different styles (one is bread, one is “cake”), but I think this is still my current favorite: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2008/03/banana-cake-big-and-small-recipe.html.
jackie says
Yummy bread and wonderful winter sight.
Kari says
I have added coconut to my banana bread for years and have always gotten rave reviews on it. Banana coconut and blueberry together… ahhhh…must be like heaven.
Betty MCginn says
I have been looking at this bread for awhile,so i copied it down ,and when i make it I will let you know how delicious it is,looks yum-yum -yummy
also love your blog!!!
Daniela says
OMG!! Made the Banana bread this afternoon and I completely agree that it’s the best I’ve ever had!! Even my boyfriend(who is picky eater, loved it. In fact when I mentioned taking some to his parents he got protective of the banana bread) ha ha ha Thanks
Kate says
I just made this last night (minus walnuts). I was so excited to make it, and it’s amazing, but it’s probably the worst thing to share between my roommate and I. She hates blueberries and I hate walnuts. I think I’m going to have to split it halves next time, one with walnuts and one with blueberries. Anyway, thank you, this is amazing.