If you are craving a warm, comforting treat that sings of cozy afternoons and crisp autumn days, this Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and tender chunks of fresh apple, all wrapped in a tender, moist crumb spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon, this bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes every bite feel like a hug in bread form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A freshly baked loaf of bread sits upright in a rectangular metal baking pan lined with parchment paper, showing a golden-brown crust with rough cracks on the surface. The top is dotted with chunks of toasted apple pieces with darker edges scattered evenly throughout, providing a textured and slightly rustic look. The pan rests on a metal tray, which lies on a white marbled surface, and an orange quilted oven mitt is partially visible to the side. The lighting highlights the warm tones and textures of the bread's crust. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious bread. Each element plays a special role—from the sweetness and moisture given by bananas and apples to the warm spice that cinnamon imparts—blending together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

3 medium ripe bananas or 4 small: Provides natural sweetness and moisture that keep the bread incredibly tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the bananas and apples.
2 large eggs whisked: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
⅓ cup salted butter melted and cooled: Introduces buttery flavor and moisture, with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure and texture for the bread.
¼ cup white sugar: Sweetens the bread with a clean, bright sugar note.
¼ cup brown sugar: Brings warmth and a touch of molasses flavor.
2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the bread and helps it rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided: Infuses a cozy spice—1 teaspoon mixed in the batter and ½ teaspoon tossed with the apples.
1 ½ cups apples peeled and diced: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and natural fruity sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by lining a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with olive oil or nonstick spray so your bread comes out effortlessly. Preheat your oven to 325°F to ensure even baking from the moment your batter goes in.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth but with a few small lumps for texture. This natural sweetness and moisture are what make this bread irresistibly moist and tender.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the vanilla extract, whisked eggs, and cooled melted butter. Mixing gently just until combined keeps the batter light and airy, which is key for a fluffy and flavorful bread.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and lift your bread needs.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—doing so keeps the bread from becoming dense and tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Apples

Toss your peeled and diced apples with the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, infusing those little juicy bites with warm spice. Set aside a handful for topping to add a delightful texture and appearance on the crust.

Step 7: Fold Apples into Batter

Gently fold the majority of the cinnamon-coated apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without breaking down into mush. This maintains pleasant apple chunks throughout the bread.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and scatter the reserved cinnamon apples on top. Bake at 325°F for 60 to 80 minutes until the crust develops a deep golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking low and slow guarantees moistness and full flavor development.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes or longer if you can wait that long. This resting period helps it set and makes slicing easier while locking in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread Recipe

Inside a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a thick beige batter with a smooth but slightly lumpy texture. On top of the batter, there are many small, cubed fruit pieces that are pale yellow with a reddish-brown spice coating, giving them a warm, mottled look. A light blue spatula with a wooden handle is partially submerged in the batter, lifting some of it around the fruit cubes. The bowl and its contents fill most of the frame, showing clear contrasts between the creamy batter, the spiced fruit pieces, and the spatula. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance each slice, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice. A smidge of softened butter or cream cheese spread also complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread shines as a warming breakfast treat alongside a cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, serve it with fresh fruit salad or yogurt to add refreshing balance to its rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice thick and toast it lightly, then top with nut butter and sliced bananas or apple slices for an indulgent snack. You can also cut into cubes to serve as a base for bread pudding or transform it into delightful mini French toast bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Stored well, it preserves moisture and flavor, making each bite just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

Wrap the baked and cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. This revives the bread’s fresh-baked texture and flavor wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

Absolutely! Pears or peeled diced peaches work well as they have similar textures and sweetness. Just be sure to toss them with cinnamon or your favorite spice to maintain the warm flavor profile.

What kind of bananas work best for this bread?

Choose bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the more natural sweetness and moisture it brings, enhancing the overall taste and softness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure, and adjust liquids slightly if needed.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the white and brown sugars by up to half if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind the bananas and apples already contribute natural sweetness, so the bread might be a bit less caramelized on top.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. The top should also be a deep golden brown and springy to touch.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of combining comforting fall flavors with a classic banana bread, you will adore this Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread Recipe. It’s one of those special treats that brings warmth and joy to any kitchen, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite baking recipe to turn to again and again.