Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh banana bread filling your kitchen—but when you add juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice, it becomes the ultimate comfort bake. This apple cinnamon banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough, thanks to ripe bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert, it’s a wholesome treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

This quick bread is also beginner-friendly and dairy-free, making it a great option for anyone looking for a simple, satisfying bake without complicated ingredients. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving something warm and spiced, this recipe is the perfect answer.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread

• Naturally Sweetened – Maple syrup and ripe bananas give just the right amount of sweetness without refined white sugar.

• Moist & Tender – Oil and mashed bananas keep the bread soft for days.

• Cozy Fall Flavor – Cinnamon and apple add seasonal warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.

• One-Bowl Recipe – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

This is the kind of quick bread you can whip up on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy all week long—if it lasts that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

• 1/2 cup oil (such as vegetable or coconut oil)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup nondairy milk (almond, oat, or soy)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped into small pieces

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas – The browner, the better! Overripe bananas add more sweetness and moisture.

• Choose the right apple – Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best for a sweeter bread, while Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast.

• Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread soft and tender.

• Add extras – Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make delicious mix-ins.

How to Store & Freeze

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to a week.

• Freezer – Wrap slices individually and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

This moist apple cinnamon banana bread isn’t just for breakfast—it makes a great snack, lunchbox treat, or after-dinner dessert. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy moment.

If you love banana bread but want something a little different, this apple cinnamon banana bread recipe is the perfect twist. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and just sweet enough to satisfy without feeling heavy. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while it bakes.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Bananas – You can swap part of the banana with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter flavor.

• Oil – Use melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note or melted butter for richer flavor.

• Maple Syrup – Honey or agave syrup works well, though it will slightly change the taste.

• Nondairy Milk – Almond, oat, or soy milk all work; dairy milk can be used if you’re not vegan.

• Flour – Try half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or gluten-free all-purpose blend for a wheat-free version.

• Apple – Mix in pear chunks for a sweeter, softer twist or add dried cranberries for tart bursts of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Bananas

• Oil

• Maple syrup

• Nondairy milk

• Vanilla extract

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Cinnamon

• All-purpose flour

• Apple

• Powdered sugar

Recipe:

• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2)

• ½ cup oil

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup nondairy milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped

Directions:

Step 1: Prep your pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Whisk in the oil, maple syrup, nondairy milk, and vanilla paste until well combined.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
Sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and flour. Gently stir until the batter is just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the apple
Pro Tip: Toss Apples in Flour First
Before folding your chopped apple into the batter, toss the pieces in about 1–2 teaspoons of flour from the measured recipe amount. This quick step helps absorb any extra moisture the apples might release while baking, preventing the bread from becoming too dense or soggy. It also keeps the apple chunks from sinking to the bottom, so you get sweet apple bites evenly distributed in every slice.

Add the chopped apple and gently fold it into the batter, ensuring even distribution. The apple chunks will add little bursts of sweetness and moisture.

Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Optional Cinnamon Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, make a simple glaze to drizzle over your cooled bread. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (nondairy or dairy)

Adjust the milk until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Once the banana bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it run down the sides for a beautiful finish. This adds a sweet cinnamon kick that pairs perfectly with the bread’s cozy flavors.