Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a small bowl, mash the three ripe bananas with a fork until smooth (a few small lumps are perfectly fine). Set aside.Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. This step is key — it incorporates air and helps give the bread a tender crumb.Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed bananas, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir together by hand until everything is well combined. The lemon zest and juice are what set this loaf apart — don't skip either one!Step 6: Fold in the Flour
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix by hand until just combined. Do not over-mix — over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour and can make your bread tough and dense. A few streaks of flour are fine; they'll work themselves out.Step 7: Add the Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to break them up too much, or the batter may turn purple. Reserve a small handful to place on top of the loaf.Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and scatter the reserved blueberries over the top. Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Important Tip: Watch your loaf closely during baking. Once the top starts to turn golden (usually around the 20-minute mark), cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly while the center continues to cook through. This trick keeps the top gorgeous without burning.Step 9: Cool Before Slicing
This step requires patience, but it's worth it. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before removing it and slicing. Cutting into warm banana bread causes it to crumble and fall apart. Give it time, and you'll be rewarded with clean, beautiful slices.
