Apple Banana Bread Recipe with Cinnamon

This moist, flavorful apple banana bread tastes like apple pie transformed into a loaf of banana bread.

Vegan apple banana bread recipe

This simple apple banana loaf is perfect for autumn mornings, cozy snacks, or a wholesome dessert. It’s naturally free of eggs and dairy, so it adapts easily to vegan, oil-free, low-fat, low-calorie, or gluten-free diets depending on ingredient choices.

Ripe bananas lend sweetness and tenderness while diced apples add freshness and that unmistakable apple-pie flavor. The result is a tender, aromatic loaf flavored with cinnamon and vanilla — everything you want from a comforting quick bread.

How to make apple banana bread

This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and requires no electric mixer. Simply mix dry ingredients, stir in the mashed bananas and wet ingredients, fold in the diced apple, and bake. The batter goes straight into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bakes until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.

For best flavor and texture, allow the loaf to cool and rest. Many people find the taste improves after a night in the refrigerator, when the flavors fully meld. Leftovers freeze well: slice the loaf, wrap individual pieces, and thaw for a ready-made snack.

I often leave the apple peel on for added fiber and visual appeal, but you can peel the apple before dicing if you prefer a smoother texture.

Banana bread variations and add-ins

This apple banana loaf is versatile. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch. For a tropical twist, add 1/2 cup shredded coconut or swap some banana for crushed pineapple. For a caramel-like note, fold in chopped dates or dairy-free caramel pieces.

Other tasty options: 1/4 to 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger, or a few tablespoons of chia or flax seeds for extra nutrition. Adjust additions to taste and consider reducing added sweetener slightly if using very sweet mix-ins.

Apple banana loaf recipe video

Watch the step-by-step video above for a visual guide.

Apple Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups spelt, all-purpose, or oat flour (for low-carb versions, use almond flour — adjust liquid if needed)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups mashed banana (about 360 g)
• 1 cup diced apple (about 120 g)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey or agave, depending on preference)
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 1/4 cup oil (or use an additional 1/4 cup milk for oil-free)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the diced apple, maple syrup (or chosen sweetener), milk, oil (or extra milk for oil-free), and vanilla until blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix — a few small lumps are fine.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for about 48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For best texture and flavor, cover loosely and refrigerate overnight; the loaf often tastes better the next day.

Notes and tips

• Apples: Leaving the peel on adds fiber and color; peeling is optional.
• Flour swaps: Almond flour will produce a denser, more crumbly loaf and may require adjustments to liquid; spelt or oat flour keeps the texture tender.
• Sweetness: Reduce the maple syrup slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf or if using very ripe bananas.
• Storage: Store tightly covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months.
• Banana-free option: To make an apple-only quick bread, use a dedicated apple bread recipe and adjust liquid accordingly.

More healthy breakfast options

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Overnight Oats

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Keto Blueberry Muffins

Tofu Scramble Recipe

Baked Vegan Donuts