Description
There’s something magical about combining the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the comforting sweetness of banana bread. This Apple Pie Banana Bread is moist, fragrant, and packed with tender chunks of apple and cozy cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas: Mashed for natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted, for richness (or substitute with coconut oil).
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread; you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: For a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential apple pie spice.
- 1 medium apple: Peeled, cored, and diced (choose a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith).
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): For an extra warm, spicy note.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Brown, spotty bananas are the sweetest and most flavorful.
- Choose the Right Apple: Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best for balance.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture or chopped nuts before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American