Apple Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the crisp freshness of diced apples. This comforting bread is enhanced with a cinnamon streusel topping and a light drizzle of sweet icing that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a casual dessert, this recipe is simple to follow and always impresses. You’ll love how each slice melts in your mouth, delivering warm, familiar flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Banana Bread Recipe
This Apple Banana Bread recipe stands out because it combines the best of two classic fruits in one loaf, making it a unique twist on traditional banana bread. The moist texture from the bananas is beautifully complemented by the slight crunch and tartness of fresh apple pieces. The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crumbly contrast, while the sweet icing drizzle balances every bite with a touch of sugary smoothness. You’ll appreciate that it’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that instantly feels like home.
Ingredients for Apple Banana Bread
To make this delicious Apple Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 small apple)
For the streusel topping:
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons hot water
How to Make Apple Banana Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare two 8- or 9-inch loaf pans by spraying them with non-stick baking spray, setting them aside for now.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vegetable oil until smooth. Next, add the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed, wet batter.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until evenly blended. Gradually pour the dry mix into the wet banana mixture and gently stir until just combined — don’t overmix to keep your bread tender. Then fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly through the batter.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans. For the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle half of this streusel mixture evenly over each loaf’s surface.
Bake the loaves for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center reaches 200°F (93°C) on a cooking thermometer or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar and hot water until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled loaves and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Apple Banana Bread
Apple Banana Bread is versatile and delicious, served in many ways. Enjoy a warm slice straight from the oven with a pat of butter that melts into the moist crumb. For breakfast, pair it with a cup of coffee or tea to start your day on a sweet note. It also makes a great midday snack or afternoon treat.
You can toast leftover slices lightly to refresh them and add a bit of crunch. For an extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese. It works wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a small side salad if you want to balance sweetness with freshness. This bread also travels well, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Banana Bread
To get the best results, use very ripe bananas — their natural sweetness and moisture make the bread rich and tender. When peeling and dicing your apple, choose a firm variety like Gala or Fuji to hold its shape during baking. Make sure to fold in the apples gently so they don’t break down too much.
Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds a lovely texture contrast that complements the softness of the bread. If you prefer, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra crunch.
Keep a close eye on the baking time near the end and test doneness with a toothpick or thermometer. Overbaking can dry out the bread, so pulling it out as soon as it’s cooked through is key. Allow the bread to cool fully before icing, so the glaze doesn’t melt and run off.
How to Store Apple Banana Bread
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored this way, your Apple Banana Bread will stay moist and flavorful for up to four days at room temperature.
If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to bring it to room temperature or toast it before serving to regain that fresh-baked texture. For even longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before eating.
Variations of Apple Banana Bread
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a nuttier version, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the apples. You can also mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
For a healthier twist, swap out half of the flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to add fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream gives it a slight tang and boosts protein content.
If you want a gluten-free option, replace the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure to check the mix includes xanthan gum for proper texture. You can experiment with spices, too — try adding nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Banana Bread
What makes Apple Banana Bread different from regular banana bread?
Apple Banana Bread includes diced fresh apples that add a juicy texture and slight tartness, balancing the sweetness of the bananas and sugars. This combination creates a more complex flavor and a moist, tender crumb.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen ripe bananas work great. Just thaw and mash them well before adding to the batter. Using frozen bananas may make the bread even moister.
What kind of apples should I use?
Choose a firm apple variety like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp to ensure the apple pieces hold up during baking and provide a nice crunch in the bread.
How should I store leftover Apple Banana Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Can I make this bread without the streusel topping?
Yes, the streusel topping is optional, but recommended because it adds texture and sweetness. If you skip it, consider adding a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for some extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Apple Banana Bread can be baked in advance and stored well, making it a great option for meal prep, breakfast,s or snacks throughout the week.
Apple Banana Bread
Equipment
- 8- or 9-inch Loaf Pans
- Mixing Bowls
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Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 small apple)
- 3 tablespoons flour for streusel topping
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar for streusel topping
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for streusel topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for streusel topping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 teaspoons hot water for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and spray two loaf pans with non-stick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Fold in the diced apples, then divide the batter between the loaf pans.
- For the streusel topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter in the pans.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the icing by whisking powdered sugar and hot water until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaves.