Blueberries are a "superfood." They have incredibly high levels of antioxidant phytonutients. They are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber. Bananas contain five different B vitamins, plus vitamin E, and fiber.
The combination of flavors in these two fruits is something my two children can't seem to get enough of... even my older child, who doesn't usually like bananas!
As soon as our bananas start to turn brown (at which point my children won't even look at them), I peel them, place them into an airtight container, and toss them whole into the freezer to use later for one of our favorite blueberry-banana breakfasts.
Banana-Blueberry Muffins
- 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (make your own)
- 4 very ripe bananas
- 1 cup blueberries
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line muffin pans with paper or silicone baking cups (this recipe will make 18 muffins).
In a medium bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then beat in bananas.
Add flour mixture to the banana mixture and mix on low speed just until combined. Gently stir in blueberries.
Fill baking cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 22 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through (use the toothpick test). Remove muffins from pan and let cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.
PRO TIP: To prevent your batter from turning blue when you add the blueberries, gently toss blueberries with 1-2 Tablespoons of flour (till coated) before stirring them into your batter.
Blueberry-Banana Smoothie
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1 cup milk or yogurt
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (14-15 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
Toss all ingredients into your blender and blend till combined. This recipe serves one, so double, triple, or quadruple as needed.
