BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (2024)

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This Apple Banana Bread will be just what you need to bring in the colder days of fall. The apples and warm spices make this quick bread cozy and extra delicious! The combination of juicy apples and warm spices gives this quick bread a cozy aroma that fills your home with irresistible scents. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a comforting snack.

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (1)

When the weather starts to cool down, I always crave something warm and cozy. This Apple Banana Bread is the perfect fall treat! The apples and warm spices make it so comforting, and it’s super easy to make. Just mix all of the ingredients together, pour into a loaf pan, and bake! In no time at all , you’ll have a delicious quick bread that everyone will love.

This Apple Banana Bread is the perfect addition to any meal. Serve it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or enjoy it as a snack or dessert. It’s also great to take along on picnics or road trips. No matter how you enjoy it, this bread is sure to be a hit!

I just love this quick recipe and thought you would like to try out this week. And if you're lucky enough to have some cooler temperatures, this is exactly what you should be baking!

Hey, guys...guess what? I made apple banana bread, so you know what that means?!?

It has to be fall...it just must be fall? Ok, who am I kidding! I live in FL and it won't look like fall here, well, ever. But, that doesn't mean that I can't start sharing more apple recipes!

Jump To
  • Why You Will Love This Banana Bread with Apples
  • What ingredients are needed to make an apple banana bread?
  • How do you make this healthy banana apple bread?
  • Expert Tips to make the best dairy-free banana bread
  • Storing and Freezing the Apple Banana Bread
  • FAQ'S
  • Some fall recipes to explore:
  • Some of my other quick bread recipes you'll really love:
  • Healthy Banana Apple Bread
BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (2)

Did I mention already that this bread is super cozy? In case I didn't, grab your blanket and a hot cup of coffee. Sit back and read a book with a cozy slice of this comforting bread.

And what a perfect reason to bring on the apple baking season and to share a super easy to make quick bread. This bread is a riff on my popular fall Banana Pear Bread with Dark Chocolate Chips.

I love quick breads so much! I probably bake one a week! It's seriously my favorite way to use up those stray super ripe and sweet bananas.

Why You Will Love This Banana Bread with Apples

  1. Flavorful and moist: The combination of apples and bananas brings out an incredible depth of flavor and moisture to the bread.
  2. Easy to make: This recipe is super straightforward and perfect for both baking beginners and experts.
  3. Dairy-free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
  4. Perfect for fall: This is sure to become a family favorite with its cozy flavor and warm spices.
BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (3)

With that said, I also love apple recipes and probably have as many apple recipes as banana recipes in my ever growing recipe collection! So it was so easy to add apples to my all-time favorite quick bread.

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (4)

What ingredients are needed to make an apple banana bread?

  • Flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure and body. Using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour will give your bread a more robust flavor and texture. If you're gluten-free, a 1-1 gluten-free blend will keep the consistency without the gluten.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances all other flavors in the bread.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Responsible for the rise and fluffiness of the bread.
  • Cinnamon and Ground Ginger: These spices add warmth and a cozy flavor, perfect for a fall quick bread.
  • Bananas: They add natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor to the bread.
  • Apples: This fruit adds a slight tartness, additional natural sweetness and an exciting texture variation.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread. Coconut sugar is a less processed option, but will darken the bread.
  • Egg: Adds structure, lifts the bread, and helps bind everything together.
  • Coconut Oil: It adds moisture to the bread and enhances flavor. Any mild-flavored oil will work.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps with the consistency of the batter. Almond milk makes it dairy-free, but you can use any nut or regular milk you prefer.
  • Raw sugar (turbinado): This is sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sweet top crust.

How do you make this healthy banana apple bread?

The first step is to gather your ingredients. Mash up the bananas.

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (5)

Second, in a small bowl, mix the egg with the sugar and oil and stir into the bananas.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt (regular salt is fine too), baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and ground ginger.

Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir in the milk (I used unsweetened almond milk, use whatever milk you like).

Fold in the apple pieces.

Scrape batter into a 9 x 5-inch metal loaf pan coated with baking spray. Sprinkle on the turbinado sugar (if using).

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (7)


Bake for 1/2 on hour at 350 then lower the heat to 325 and bake for about another 20-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Every oven is different. I like to lower heat halfway through baking time so that it doesn't bake up too quickly and brown too fast.

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (8)

Expert Tips to make the best dairy-free banana bread

1. Choose the Right Apples: For best results, use a firm variety of apples that hold up well to baking like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

2. Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas will give you the sweetest, moistest bread.

3. Don't Over-mix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tougher bread.

4. Allow the Bread to Cool: After baking, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing. This makes it easier to slice.

Storing and Freezing the Apple Banana Bread

Storing and freezing this banana and apple cake is quite straightforward.

To store, simply keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for a week.

If you'd like to freeze the bread for later, let it cool completely first. Then, slice the loaf and wrap each individual slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag.

This method allows you to defrost only the number of slices you need at a time. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bread, let it defrost at room temperature or gently warm it in a toaster or oven. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (9)

FAQ'S

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes! Just sub in your favorite gluten-free 1-1 baking flour (I like the King Arthur's GF flour). Make it vegan by using flax eggs.

How long does Apple Banana Bread stay fresh?

This bread will stay fresh if it's kept covered for up to two days on the counter. It's best to store in the fridge going beyond two days. Another idea the next day is to toast a slice.

Can you freeze Apple Banana Bread?

Yes, it's really easy to freeze slices or even the entire loaf. Wrap each slice in a plastic wrap snugly and then wrap in foil paper (or put in a zipped lock freezer bag). You could also wrap entire loaf in foil paper and store it in a zipped lock freezer bag. Should be eaten within 3 months (thaw overnight on the counter).

Some fall recipes to explore:

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (10)

PIN for later!

Some of my other quick bread recipes you'll really love:

  • Caramelized Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze
  • Sourdough Banana Bread
  • Vegan Strawberry Banana Bread
  • Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread-Totally Dairy-Free
  • Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Originally published on October 24, 2020 and updated for content and photos on September 6, 2021.

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BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (11)

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5 from 5 vote

Healthy Banana Apple Bread

Apples and cinnamon add a cozy fall twist to this Apple Banana Bread. This easy quick bread recipe is a delicious way to welcome the fall season!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apples, bananas, quick bread

Servings: 1 9-5 loaf

Calories: 1309kcal

Author: Lora

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed bananas about 3-4 very ripe
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup cane sugar or coconut sugar or white sugar
  • ¼ cup coconut oil or whatever mild oil you like
  • 2 cups of flour you could use ½ whole wheat or sub in gluten-free 1-1 flour to make GF
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ milk I used unsweetened almond (use whatever nut or regular milk you like)
  • 2 medium sized apples peeled, cored and chopped
  • Raw sugar (turbinado) to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Place a rack in the center of the oven. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray (or butter and flour the parchment paper) and set aside.

  • In a small bowl, mash the bananas. Mix the egg with the sugar and oil, and stir into the bananas.

  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt (regular salt is fine too), baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon and ground ginger.

  • Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir in the milk (I used unsweetened almond milk).

  • Fold in the apple pieces.

  • Scrape batter into a 9 x 5-inch metal loaf pan coated with baking spray. Sprinkle on the turbinado sugar (if using).

  • Bake for 1/2 on hour at 350 then lower the heat to 325 and bake for about another 20-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Every oven is different. I like to lower heat halfway through baking time so that it doesn't bake up too quickly and brown too fast.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Notes

Baking times:

  • Full size loaf pan - about 55-60 minutes (mine is usually ready at 55 minutes...every oven is different. So check your loaf at about 55 mins).
  • 3 mini loaf pans - about 25 to 35 minutes
  • muffins - about 20 minutes (may be 15 -25 depending on the size of your tins)

Nutrition

Calories: 1309kcal | Carbohydrates: 206g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 47g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 3911mg | Potassium: 906mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 177g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!

BEST Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Easy) (2024)

FAQs

Why use mushy bananas for banana bread? ›

Ripe bananas are not only softer and easier to mash and blend into a batter, but they are also sweeter, which is why baking recipes specifically call for ripe bananas in ingredient lists. As the bananas ripen, the fruit converts starches to sugars, making them sweeter and more flavorful.

Why is my banana bread not fluffy? ›

Over mixing the batter

Whether you choose to make banana bread in a stand mixer or use a simple bowl and spoon, the key to a beautiful, fluffy, moist loaf does not overmix the batter.

Why baking soda in banana bread? ›

Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavener, which means it helps the banana bread rise. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, but it won't make the loaf taste salty.\

Why does banana bread split on top when baking? ›

In the oven, the outside begins to cook much faster than the inside; the crack is from the inner batter rising and releasing steam through the semi-cooked outer batter.

At what point should you not use bananas for banana bread? ›

If black bananas are spotted with mold, then it's time to step away! You absolutely should not use them for banana bread or consume them at all.

What happens if I put too much banana in my banana bread? ›

Banana bread recipes typically ask you to use overripe bananas so that they're easier to mush. This means it's tempting to toss all your bananas into the mix when you're ready to bake, to avoid food waste. But if you add too much of the fruit into your batter, your bread could turn out mushy, heavy, and wet.

Is baking soda or baking powder better for banana bread? ›

The main difference is that baking powder already contains an acid in the chemical mixture, while baking soda needs an acidic ingredient to create that rising reaction. So when swapping baking powder for baking soda in banana bread, the importance of using the appropriate measurements comes into play.

How can I make my bread lighter and fluffy? ›

All it takes is a small amount of dough enhancer per loaf to create a much lighter and fluffier result. Using a dough enhancer like Vital Wheat Gluten works to improve the texture and elasticity of the dough and elongate the strands of gluten. Doing so allows more room for the gas in the dough to develop and rise.

Which is better, baking soda or baking powder? ›

The leavening power of baking soda is about three to four times stronger than baking powder. This means that you need a lot less baking soda in your recipes. If a recipe calls for baking soda and you only have baking powder, you need to use the right baking soda to baking powder conversion.

What happens if I forgot to put baking soda in my banana bread? ›

Believe it or not, you can make a delicious loaf of banana bread without baking soda that is moist, soft, and fluffy with the help of baking powder! It won't rise quite as much, but it will still be absolutely delicious and tender packed with flavor from brown bananas and ground cinnamon.

Is it good to let banana bread batter rest? ›

It's generally not recommended to let banana bread batter sit for too long before baking, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the finished bread.

How many bananas are in 2 cups? ›

2 bananas: 1-1/3 cups chopped | 1 cup mashed. 3 bananas: 2 cups chopped | 1-1/2 cups mashed. 4 bananas: 2-2/3 cups chopped | 2 cups mashed.

Why is my banana bread still gooey in the middle? ›

Using too much banana could make your bread heavy and damp in the center, causing it to appear undercooked and unappealing. If you have bananas leftover, you can always freeze them for later use.

What does it mean when my banana bread sinks in the middle? ›

There are a variety of reasons why yours may be sinking on cooling but it is most likely that it isn't quite fully baked. Banana bread tends to form a firmish crust on the outside, so even if it looks baked it may not quite be done which means that it will sink as it cools.

Can you use mushy bananas for banana bread? ›

Brown, overripe bananas are sweeter because in the ripening process the starches in the banana are converted to sugar. You can even use super-soft, black bananas that have a really strong smell and are oozy inside. As long as they're not moldy, there's no such thing as too-ripe bananas for banana bread.

Are mushy bananas still good? ›

That said, Rogers states that if your bananas are jet black and mushy, your safest bet is to cook with them rather than eating them out of hand or using them raw in things like smoothies or nice cream. "The riper the bananas get, the more levels of bacteria could be on them," he says.

Are bananas good if they are soft? ›

Texture: Ripe bananas should be soft and easy to peel, but they shouldn't be mushy or have a slimy texture. If the flesh of the banana feels slimy or has a strange texture, it has likely started to spoil. Smell: A ripe banana should have a sweet, fruity smell.

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