Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones: A Delightful Breakfast or Brunch Treat

Scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe for Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones takes the classic scone to a whole new level, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries with the nutty crunch of walnuts. The result is a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible scone that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering your ingredients to baking the scones to golden perfection. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create bakery-worthy scones in your own kitchen. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Why These Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones Are Special

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these scones so special. These aren’t your average dry, crumbly scones. The addition of ripe bananas adds moisture and natural sweetness, while the blueberries burst with juicy flavor. The walnuts provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the scone.

Here’s a breakdown of why you’ll love this recipe:

* **Moist and Tender:** The banana adds a wonderful moisture that keeps the scones from being dry.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of banana, blueberry, and walnut creates a symphony of flavors that’s both sweet and nutty.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Try adding different fruits, nuts, or spices.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1 large ripe banana, mashed
* ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Add-ins:**
* 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
* ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts
* **For the Egg Wash (optional):**
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* **For the Glaze (optional):**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Flour:** All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Make sure to measure it accurately using the spoon and level method (spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife). Too much flour will result in dry scones.
* **Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. The cold butter will create pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a light and airy texture. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start.
* **Banana:** Use a ripe banana for the best flavor and moisture. The banana should be soft and spotty.
* **Buttermilk:** Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the scones. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by combining milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Blueberries:** Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used in this recipe. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the dough. Thawing them will release too much liquid and make the scones soggy.
* **Walnuts:** You can use chopped walnuts or walnut pieces. Feel free to substitute other nuts, such as pecans or almonds.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones:

**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and helps to create a light and airy texture.

**Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter**

* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
* Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small, pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial for creating flaky scones. The cold butter melts during baking, creating pockets of steam that result in a light and airy texture.

**Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
* Add the buttermilk (or milk/lemon juice mixture), beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Whisk to combine.
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.

**Step 5: Fold in Blueberries and Walnuts**

* Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix.

**Step 6: Shape the Scones**

* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
* Gently pat the dough into a ¾-inch thick circle.
* Use a sharp knife or a round cookie cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds.

**Step 7: Arrange Scones on Baking Sheet**

* Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

**Step 8: Egg Wash (Optional)**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or cream.
* Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.

**Step 9: Bake the Scones**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the scones.

**Step 10: Cool and Glaze (Optional)**

* Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before glazing (if using).
* To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
* Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones.

**Step 11: Serve and Enjoy**

* Serve the Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

## Tips for Perfect Scones

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones:

* **Keep the Butter Cold:** Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky scones. Use very cold butter and work quickly to prevent it from melting.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor. Use ripe bananas and fresh blueberries.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Handle the dough gently to prevent it from becoming tough.
* **Don’t Skip the Egg Wash:** The egg wash gives the scones a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish. It’s optional, but highly recommended.
* **Bake at the Right Temperature:** Baking the scones at the correct temperature is essential for ensuring that they bake properly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes.
* **Cool Completely Before Glazing:** Allow the scones to cool completely before glazing them. This will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.

## Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about scones is that they are so versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences by adding different fruits, nuts, or spices. Here are a few ideas:

* **Different Fruits:** Try adding other fruits, such as raspberries, strawberries, or cranberries. You can also use dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries.
* **Different Nuts:** Substitute other nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts, for the walnuts.
* **Spices:** Add different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger, to the dough.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey treat.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Glaze Variations:** Experiment with different glaze flavors. Try adding lemon juice, orange juice, or vanilla extract to the glaze.

## Serving Suggestions

Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Butter and Jam:** Serve the scones with butter and your favorite jam or preserves.
* **Clotted Cream:** Serve the scones with clotted cream and jam for a traditional afternoon tea treat.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** Drizzle the scones with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* **Fruit Salad:** Serve the scones with a fresh fruit salad.
* **Yogurt:** Serve the scones with a dollop of yogurt for a light and healthy breakfast.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy the scones with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Storage Instructions

Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, store them at room temperature. You can also freeze the scones for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the scones individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply remove the scones from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

## Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones**

**Yields:** 8 scones
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 18-22 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1 large ripe banana, mashed
* ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries
* ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts
* **Egg Wash (optional):** 1 large egg, lightly beaten + 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* **Glaze (optional):** 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar + 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, mash the banana. Add buttermilk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in blueberries and walnuts.
7. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a ¾-inch thick circle.
8. Cut into 8 wedges or rounds.
9. Transfer scones to the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush with egg wash (optional).
11. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before glazing (if using).
13. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled scones.
14. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Conclusion

These Blueberry Banana Walnut Scones are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can create bakery-worthy scones in your own kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible scones! They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! If you try it, please let me know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #BlueberryBananaWalnutScones. Happy baking!