Description
This Apple Pie Banana Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with moist, sweet banana bread, topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, it's a delicious twist on two favorites baked into one loaf.
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Apple Filling:
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Banana Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups ripe mashed bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a fork, pastry cutter, or your clean hands, cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture forms large crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, combine the diced apple, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth with no visible streaks of flour.
- Fold in Apple Filling: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the prepared apple filling to distribute it evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Tap the pan gently on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Add Crumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread and serve as a delicious breakfast treat or dessert.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the banana bread.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and soft.
- Swap out the apple variety for your favorite such as Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness.
- The crumb topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature to help with smooth mixing and better texture.
- Check the bread after 55 minutes and adjust baking time based on your oven performance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American