Blueberry Banana Yeast Bread

This lightly sweetened blueberry banana yeast bread puts a new spin on banana bread!

The word banana bread conjures up a sweet and fragrant quick bread loaf often studded with toasted walnuts or chocolate chips.

It is known for being a moist, almost cake-like bread made with the ripest of bananas.

But what if you want a banana bread that’s fluffier and lighter in texture? You experiment with a banana yeast bread!

Banana Yeast Bread

When overripe bananas have overstayed their welcome on the kitchen counter, I instinctually make banana bread.

Nothing fancy. Just your regular banana bread loaded with sugar and brown sugar. 

Let’s break that habit and try something a little different…with far less sugar!

Have you ever made banana bread leavened with yeast?

Me, neither. That is, until I started testing the recipe for this blueberry banana yeast bread.  

soft and stretchy dough

Please follow the amounts listed in the directions. You may be tempted to add additional flour because the dough may seem “wet” as it mixes. 

It may be a “wet” dough but can be easily scraped from the mixing bowl with the help of a spatula or bowl scraper.

Lightly flour your hands and work surface, if the dough is sticking.

Afraid to work with yeast?

Have no fear! Armed with a digital kitchen thermometer, working with yeast (especially active dry yeast) is super easy.

Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved and re-activated in warm liquid before mixing. Ideally, you want the liquid between 100-115 degrees F. 

Too cold and the yeast won’t wake up. Too hot and the yeast may die.

Read this in depth baking with yeast tutorial for more tips and tricks!

TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH YEAST DOUGH:

• Temperature affects dough. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the yeast is mixed with proper temperature liquids. (The one linked here is my favorite. I have the pink one! And no, it is NOT an affiliate link.)
• Temperature can also affect dough rising/proofing time. Optimal temperature is in the mid-70s, around room temperature.
• Keep the dough covered with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent an unwanted “skin” from forming. Do this when the dough is rising, as well as when you are forming the doughnut twists.
• Use a digital kitchen scale to divide dough equally. Equally portioned out dough pieces ensure even cooking times.

How to shape and roll yeasted banana bread:

This recipe makes two 9×5-inch bread loaves. Once dough has finished it’s initial rise, divide the dough into two equal parts. 

Working with one portion of dough at a time, roll dough out to 12 x 16-inch rectangle. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over surface of dough. Top with frozen blueberries.

Beginning at the longer end, roll dough into a tight log. Slice log in half lengthwise. Pinch end seams shut.

Stretch each log to a length of about 8-inches.  Twist the two logs the dough over each other to form a spiral.  

Now, place that formed bread loaf in a bread pan and repeat process with the second portion of dough!

Why use frozen blueberries?

In my experience, frozen berries are easier to roll into breads. No worrying about crushing or exploding berries.

The frozen blueberries are much sturdier and retrain their shape even after baking. That being said, fresh blueberries may be used in this recipe as well. 

Since this recipe makes two loaves, eat one now and save the other for another project!

Once the second loaf starts to get stale, give it a second life as Blueberry Banana French Toast!

More Unique Banana Dessert Recipes

• Banana Bundt Cake – Soft, moist, and super flavorful cake topped with warm brown sugar glaze
• Banana Jackfruit Muffins –  Breakfast muffins loaded with tropical flavors and topped with a buttery almond coconut crumble
• Turon (Filipino fried banana rolls) – Ripe saba banana, jackfruit, and brown sugar rolled together in a flour lumpia wrapper and fried to a golden crisp.