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.

Can you put too much banana in banana bread? ›

Fight the urge to use more banana than called for in your recipe. 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.

Is baking soda or powder better for banana bread? ›

Baking soda works best in conjunction with an acidic ingredient. In the case of banana bread, this may be buttermilk, brown sugar, molasses or the bananas themselves. Recipes generally include just enough baking soda to balance the acidity in the batter.

What is the best apple for baking bread? ›

Granny Smith (in my opinion, this is the best overall apple for baking) Braeburn (a sweet-tart variety) Jonathan. Pacific Rose.

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

As it sits at room temperature, starches convert to sugars, making the fruit sweeter and softer. These brown spots, often seen as a sign of spoilage, are actually a dead giveaway of peak banana bread potential. But, there is a limit. Black bananas or rotten bananas are a no-go.

What happens if you add an extra egg to banana bread? ›

Adding more eggs makes for a spongy, less flavorful banana bread. Doubling the number of eggs I was using resulted in a spongy cake with a moist texture. While the banana flavor was present, it wasn't as prominent as it was in other loaves. This had more of a hint of flavor.

Why is my banana bread still gooey after an hour? ›

Bake for longer: If the center of your banana bread is still gooey, you may need to bake it for a longer time. Check the bread every 5-10 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, continue baking until the toothpick comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs.

Why did my banana bread turn green? ›

Learning 1 – Too much baking soda makes banana bread turn green or blue.

What happens if you put too much baking soda in banana bread? ›

Using too much baking soda or baking powder can really mess up a recipe, causing it to rise uncontrollably and taste terrible.

Why does my banana bread taste like baking soda? ›

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is the raising agent and this can sometimes taste bitter or soapy if the wrong quantity is used.

Can honeycrisp apples be used for baking? ›

Honeycrisp. One of the sweetest apples around, this Midwestern favorite is good for anything—including baking. It boasts a distinctive juicy crispness and is firm enough that it won't cook down much. It complements just about any other apple variety to make a stellar pie.

What apples should not be used for apple pie? ›

There are a few apples that don't make the cut. While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

What 4 apples are best used for baking? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

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.

What can overripe bananas be used for? ›

Don't throw those overripe bananas away! Try one of these delicious recipes for coffee cake, cookies, ice cream, donuts, smoothies—and, yes, banana bread. Rebecca is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Are bananas good if they are soft? ›

Overripe bananas may not be as pretty as perfectly yellow bananas, but they are still perfectly safe to eat. However, they may have soft spots due to bruises and be more susceptible to bacteria and fungi. So, it's best to consume them before they become too soft and mushy.

What is the meaning of mushy banana? ›

You might use the adjective mushy to describe an overripe banana or a tear-jerker of a commercial.

References

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