Apple Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds in one delightful loaf: the moist, sweet richness of banana bread and the crisp, tart flavor of apples.
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Imagine waking up to the aroma of this loaf baking in your oven – the comforting scent of ripe bananas mingling with the fresh, fruity notes of apples.
Not only is this bread a treat for your senses, but it also offers a nutritious twist on traditional banana bread, thanks to the addition of fresh fruit.
This unique blend makes for a wonderfully moist and flavorful bread that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Apple Banana Bread
Apple Banana Bread Recipe is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and seasonal apples. The combination of these fruits adds a unique flavor profile to the traditional banana bread.
The apples provide a slight crunch and a burst of freshness, while the bananas ensure the bread remains moist and tender. It’s a perfect fall or winter treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
How To Prepare Apple Banana Bread Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert or breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Serving Size: 12 slices
Kitchen Utensils
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (about 1 medium apple, preferably a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare Apples and Bananas: Peel and finely dice the apple. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the melted butter (or oil) and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Banana Mixture: Add the mashed bananas to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the diced apples and optional nuts or chocolate chips.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Special Note
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to speed up the ripening process.
Nutrition Facts Apple Banana Bread Recipe (Per Serving)
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 230 |
Total Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Cholesterol | 40mg |
Sodium | 160mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
Sugars | 22g |
Protein | 3g |
Variations Of Apple Banana Bread Recipe
1. Make it Vegan
To make this apple banana bread vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk.
2. Add Spices
For a spicier kick, you can add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter along with the cinnamon.
3. Gluten-Free Option
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Can You Mix Apple And Banana?
Yes, you can mix apples and bananas in a recipe like apple banana bread recipe. The combination of the two fruits brings a wonderful balance of flavors, with the bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, and the apples contributing a subtle tartness and texture.
The result is a delicious, moist bread with a unique taste.
Is Banana Bread Healthy Or Unhealthy?
Banana bread can be both healthy or unhealthy, depending on how it’s made. A traditional banana bread recipe with white flour, sugar, and butter can be high in calories, fats, and sugars.
However, you can make a healthier version by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, and substituting some of the fat with healthier options like Greek yogurt or applesauce.
The bananas themselves provide essential nutrients like potassium and fiber, which contribute to the overall healthiness of the bread.
Can I Substitute Apples For Bananas In Banana Bread?
Yes, you can substitute apples for bananas in banana bread, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor of the bread.
Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, so when replacing them with apples, you’ll want to use a similar moist ingredient, like grated apples or applesauce, to ensure the bread doesn’t turn out too dry.
Conclusion
Apple Banana Bread Recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite a satisfying experience.
The moist, tender crumb of the banana bread is elevated by the crisp bites of apple and the subtle spices, creating a loaf that’s not only delicious but also comforting.
This bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or with a spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of cream cheese. It also makes for a great gift or a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
Enjoy the warm, homemade goodness of Apple Banana Bread Recipe – a recipe that’s sure to earn a cherished spot in your baking repertoire.
Apple Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas about 3 large bananas
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples about 1 medium apple, preferably a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare Apples and Bananas: Peel and finely dice the apple. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the melted butter (or oil) and vanilla extract.
- Combine Banana Mixture: Add the mashed bananas to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the diced apples and optional nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.