Apple banana bread is hands-down one of the easiest and most satisfying treats to bake. Soft, moist, and full of comforting sweetness, this Apple banana bread recipe is a go-to for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Adding apples gives banana bread a flavorful twist that makes it even more irresistible.
The combination of sweet bananas and juicy apple chunks is just magic. The apples add a fresh, slightly tangy bite that takes the flavor to the next level. So grab those overripe bananas (you know the ones sitting on your counter!) and let’s bake something amazing.
If you’re a fan of unique and comforting bakes, you’ll also enjoy our Cinnamon Roll Focaccia for a sweet twist on focaccia bread or our fluffy Mini Pancakes perfect for breakfast or snacking!
Apple Banana Bread Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
Irresistible flavor combination
Apple banana bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crisp, fruity contrast of apples. Together, these ingredients create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s downright addictive. For more fruity combinations, check out our Apple Cinnamon Brioche Rolls, which also highlight apples in a delightful baked treat.
Perfect for any time of day
Enjoy it for breakfast with coffee, as a snack with tea, or warmed up with a little butter for dessert. It’s versatile and always hits the spot. Speaking of morning treats, consider pairing this with our Protein Pumpkin Muffins for a nutritious start to your day.
So simple, anyone can make it
No fancy tools or complicated techniques here. This recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal even if you’re new to baking.
What You’ll Need to Make Apple Banana Bread Recipe
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, with just a couple of fresh items to grab:
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted or salted works)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
The Special Add-Ins:
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work great)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How to Make Apple Banana Bread Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Lining it with parchment paper is also a great idea—it makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. A few small lumps are totally fine and add texture to the bread.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; this is key to achieving the perfect texture for your apple banana bread.
6. Add the Apples and Extras
Fold in the diced apples and any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. These add extra flavor and texture to the bread.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice it up and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Apple Banana Bread Recipe
- Use ripe bananas: The sweeter and softer they are, the better your bread will taste.
- Pick the right apples: Sweet apples like Gala are great, but Granny Smith adds a nice tartness if you prefer less sweetness.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Store it right: Keep the bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic or foil.
Storing Apple Banana Bread
Room Temperature
To keep your apple banana bread fresh at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This method will keep the bread soft and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid area, consider keeping it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. For the best texture and flavor, slice only what you plan to eat, leaving the rest intact to retain moisture.
Refrigeration
If you want to store your bread for more than a few days, pop it in the refrigerator. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable bag to avoid drying out. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy, slice off a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This little trick brings back the soft, fresh-from-the-oven vibe we all love. For an added treat, slather on some butter or cream cheese while it’s warm.
Freezing
Freezing is the best way to make your apple banana bread last longer, especially if you’ve made extra loaves or want to save some for a later date. To freeze, start by slicing the bread into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. This double layer of protection prevents freezer burn and locks in freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy, you have two options:
- Thaw at room temperature: Leave the wrapped slice on the counter for about 20–30 minutes until it’s soft and ready to eat.
- Reheat in a toaster oven: Unwrap the slice and warm it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This method gives the bread a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside moist.
Pro tip: Freezing individual slices makes it super easy to grab a quick snack or breakfast without thawing the whole loaf!
FAQs About Apple Banana Bread Recipe
1. What makes Apple Banana Bread Recipe different from regular banana bread?
Apple banana bread Recipe stands out from regular banana bread by including diced apples, which add a unique fruity flavor and moist texture. The combination of sweet bananas and tart apples creates a perfect balance that elevates the traditional banana bread recipe to a whole new level. The apples also contribute a slight tanginess and crunch, making each bite more exciting and complex. If you’re looking for a banana bread variation with added flavor and texture, apple banana bread is the way to go!
2. Can I use green bananas?
No, green bananas are not suitable for this recipe. They are too starchy and lack the natural sweetness required to make the bread flavorful. For the best results, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots, as these are softer and much sweeter, enhancing the overall taste of the bread. If you have only green bananas on hand, let them ripen at room temperature for a few days. For a quicker solution, you can bake the green bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes to ripen them artificially.
3. Can I make this Apple Banana Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt this apple banana bread recipe to be gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. These blends often contain xanthan gum, which helps replicate the texture of traditional baked goods. Additionally, almond flour or oat flour can be used for a nutty or wholesome twist, though you may need to adjust the liquid ratios slightly. Remember, gluten-free versions can sometimes be more delicate, so handle the batter gently.
4. What’s the best way to tell if it’s done baking?
The toothpick test is the most reliable way to check if your apple banana bread is done. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for another 5 minutes and test again. Additionally, the bread should have a golden-brown crust, and the edges may slightly pull away from the pan. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the loaf.
5. Can I add other fruits to Apple Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! This Apple Banana Bread recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can add fruits like blueberries, chopped pears, or even cranberries for extra flavor and texture. Blueberries add a juicy burst of sweetness, while pears provide a delicate and soft bite. When adding fruits, fold them gently into the batter to avoid crushing them, and adjust the baking time slightly if the batter becomes wetter.
6. Can I skip the cinnamon?
Yes, cinnamon is optional in this recipe. While it adds a warm, spiced undertone that pairs beautifully with the apples and bananas, the bread is still delicious without it. If you prefer a simpler flavor profile, feel free to omit the cinnamon. Alternatively, you can substitute it with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different aromatic twist. Experimenting with spices allows you to customize the bread to your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Apple Banana Bread recipe
This apple banana bread recipe is everything good about comfort food: easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always satisfying. The sweet bananas and juicy apple chunks create a perfect balance, while the moist texture keeps you coming back for just one more slice.
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