Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze
There’s something about the sweet, comforting aroma of banana bread wafting through the kitchen that makes it feel like home. Now, take that beloved classic and elevate it with a burst of berries and a refreshing lemon glaze, and you have a treat that’s not just delicious but downright irresistible. This Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
This banana bread isn’t your average loaf! The addition of mixed berries introduces a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the bananas. Each bite is moist and bursting with juicy fruit, while the lemon glaze adds a zesty finish that ties everything together. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, coffee dates, or simply as a treat for yourself. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers!
Ingredient Rundown
To create this delicious Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted and slightly cooled for moisture and richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our bread for that perfect crumb.
- 1 cup sugar – to sweeten our bread just right.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a little lift in the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – for structure and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas – about 4 medium bananas; the more ripe, the better!
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt – adds creaminess and tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting flavor.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) – fresh or frozen, depending on availability.
- Juice of half a lemon – about 3 tablespoons for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – or more if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Setup & Equipment
You’ll want to gather the following items before you begin your baking adventure:
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – to mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Rubber spatula – for folding in the berries gently.
- Loaf pan – preferably 9×5 inches for the perfect shape.
- Cooling rack – to let your banana bread cool properly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in your baking.
Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze, Made Easy
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this delightful Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the melted butter, mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Fold in the Berries
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of your mixed berries, reserving ½ cup for topping. This will ensure you get bursts of berry flavor throughout the bread.
Step 7: Pour into the Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved berries on top for an extra fruity touch.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the lemon juice and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the banana bread has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Better-for-You Options
If you’re looking to make some healthier swaps in this Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze, consider the following options:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Low-Fat Yogurt: Use low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut down the sugar amount by 1/4 cup without compromising on flavor.
Troubles You Can Avoid
Baking is as much about science as it is about art. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making your Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze:
- Overmixing: Mix until just combined to prevent a dense loaf.
- Too Many Ripe Bananas: Stick to the recommended amount to avoid overly moist bread.
- Not Preheating: Always preheat the oven for even baking.
- Using Thawed Frozen Berries: If using frozen berries, add them directly from the freezer to avoid excess moisture.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze is just as delightful the next day (if it lasts that long!). Here are some tips for storing and meal prepping:
The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in individual portions. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick breakfast treat!
Common Qs About Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze
Can I use only one type of berry?
Absolutely! Feel free to use just blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries if you prefer. Each will add its unique flavor to the banana bread.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or even applesauce for a different spin.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?
Yes! This banana bread can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
The Last Word
The Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze is a delightful twist on a classic recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it makes for the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or a few days later, this banana bread is a treat you won’t want to miss. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of berry-filled bliss!
Triple Berry Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.
- Step 2: Grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the melted butter, mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Step 6: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of your mixed berries, reserving ½ cup for topping.
- Step 7: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved berries on top for an extra fruity touch.
- Step 8: Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the lemon juice and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 11: Once the banana bread has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Try using whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Adjust the lemon glaze thickness by adding more sugar or lemon juice.
- Feel free to use only one type of berry if preferred.
