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This easy apple banana cake bread recipe is bursting with fresh apple and banana flavor – sweet and moist enough to be a cake, sliced like bread, for the ultimate breakfast indulgence!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Light Banana and Apple Bread
This apple banana cake bread is light and airy like a cake, with a moist and thicker crumb like a bread.
This bread is delicious slathered with creamy butter (and apple butter!), dusted with a bit of powdered sugar, or even drizzled with honey or fresh maple syrup.
There is nothing more delicious or cozy than a warm, crumbly apple bread recipe in fall – but this apple banana cake bread recipe is sure to become one of your very favorite new dishes! I am so excited to join with a bunch of my favorite bloggers for a fall-inspired recipe tour spotlighting our favorite crisp weather indulgence – fresh fall apples! I love cooking with apples and am so excited to join in this group spotlighting tons of apple recipes to get you in the mood for fall. If you’ve been looking for a bunch of delicious apple recipes and ways to cook with apples, you’re in luck! Please scroll down to find the other apple recipes!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Banana Apple Spice Bread
Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Grate the Apple: Grating the apple ensures it blends smoothly into the batter, adding moisture without large chunks.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Add Spices: Enhance flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice.
Incorporate Nuts or Raisins: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Use Greek Yogurt or Applesauce: Substitute some of the butter or oil with Greek yogurt or applesauce for a healthier, moist loaf.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Store Properly: Wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container to keep the bread moist for several days.
Freeze for Later: Slice and freeze individually wrapped portions for quick snacks or breakfast.
Adjust Sweetness: If your bananas and apples are very ripe, reduce the sugar slightly to prevent it from being overly sweet.
Dust with Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top before baking for a crispy, flavorful crust.
FAQs
Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the apples. Otherwise, leaving the peel on adds fiber and nutrients.
Absolutely! Thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Use a fork or potato masher. For extra-smooth banana puree, you can use a blender or food processor.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for structure.
Yes, especially if your bananas and apples are very ripe. You can cut the sugar by 25–50% without affecting the texture too much.
This could be due to overmixing, underbaking, or using too much baking powder or soda. Ensure your oven is preheated and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter.
Yes, you can include fruits like shredded zucchini, grated carrots, or blueberries, but adjust the batter’s consistency if it becomes too wet.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it lasts 2–3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Streusel, chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, or even a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk are great options.
Yes! Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, and replace some of the fat with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
What to Enjoy with Banana Apple Spice Cake
Fresh Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of tartness and vibrant color to your plate.
Hot Coffee or Tea
The warm, aromatic notes of coffee or tea enhance the comforting flavors of the bread, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Cheddar or Creamy Brie Cheese
The savory, slightly tangy notes of cheese offer an unexpected yet delicious contrast to the sweet bread.
Caramel Sauce
A drizzle of caramel brings out the apple flavor and makes the bread irresistibly indulgent.
This delicious sausage and veggie packed breakfast casserole is topped with one of my favorites – classic tater tots!
PB&J Bombs – Fried peanut butter and jelly bombs are a decadent twist on a classic sandwich, featuring gooey peanut butter and jelly encased in a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Try these apple favorites:
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Easy Apple Banana Cake Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 3 medium sweet apples, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-2 Tablespoon water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 whole over-ripe bananas, mashed, plus one for topping
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Peel and dice the apples. Place in medium stock pan and add the remaining filling ingredients. Cook on medium heat until apples are soft, about 15 – 20 minutes. Remove to cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a round cake pan with oil or butter, set aside.
- In a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugars together. Add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas and mix well.
- Combine the flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the apple filling into the cake batter, and stir to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top with slices of banana, if desired.
- Place cake pan in preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until toothpick, when inserted, comes out clean.
- Let cake bread rest on counter for 15 minutes before flipping it onto a cooling rack. Top with powdered sugar or a simple icing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I find it too dry. Might double the apple or add some milk I think next time
I also found the cook time way too long-it was very dry and overdone. I love the recipe though, so next time I will add more apple, more mashed banana and maybe sone melted butter or milk and bake 40 mins.
Thank you for letting me know, we retested the recipe and noted the bake time is shorter. Glad you enjoyed it!
This is so easy to make. I did it twice so far. The only think i find is the cooking time. It has never taken over an hour to cook, usually 45 to 50 mins….just a heads up so you don’t over bake it.
Do you use ap flour just making sure before I make it sounds yummy
yep!