Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread

Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread is a cozy, aromatic loaf that combines the best of fall flavors with the beloved classic banana bread. Moist and tender, each slice is bursting with ripe bananas, sweet-tart apple pieces, and warm cinnamon spice. This bread is lightly sweetened, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert.

The addition of apples adds a subtle natural sweetness and moisture that makes this banana bread extra soft, while the cinnamon brings that familiar, warming spice that instantly evokes homey comfort. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy morning or chilly afternoon.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread because it elevates the classic banana bread with an extra layer of flavor and texture. The combination of bananas and apples keeps the bread moist for days, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon while baking fills the kitchen with warmth. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent without being overly sweet, making it a versatile snack or breakfast option.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Moist and flavorful with natural sweetness
• Perfectly balanced with cinnamon and fruit
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snack time
• Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Can be customized with nuts, chocolate, or other spices

Once you try this recipe, it will likely become a staple for your homemade bread repertoire.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Home Baking
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 220 calories per slice

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in diced apple and nuts (if using).
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Mash bananas, dice apple, and gather all ingredients.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine mashed bananas, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Combine Batter: Fold dry into wet ingredients gently.
5. Add Apple and Nuts: Stir in apple and optional nuts.
6. Bake: Pour into loaf pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow bread to cool before slicing.

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How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread

• Serve warm with a pat of butter
• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar
• Cut into thick slices for a hearty breakfast treat

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture
• Dice apples into small pieces to prevent them from sinking
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread
• Let the bread cool completely for best slicing

Variations (Detailed)

Chocolate Chip Apple Banana Bread

Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter twist.

Vegan Version

Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

Spiced Version

Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.

Nutty Version

Add pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Wrap in plastic wrap or place in airtight container
• Keeps for 3–4 days

Freezer

• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or place in freezer bag
• Freezes well for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in oven

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk and spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort-baking recipe—moist, flavorful, and filled with the cozy flavors of fall. With tender banana, sweet-tart apple, and a hint of warming cinnamon, it’s a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

This bread is easy to make, freezes beautifully, and is endlessly adaptable with chocolate, nuts, or spices. Once you try this Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home baking repertoire.