This Peanut Butter Apple Banana Bread is a cozy, home-baked treat that brings together ripe bananas, fresh apple, and creamy peanut butter in one perfectly moist loaf. It’s gently sweet, warmly spiced, and ideal for breakfast, snacking, or a simple dessert any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is wonderfully moist thanks to the combination of mashed bananas and grated apple. Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth that makes each slice satisfying without being heavy. The recipe uses simple pantry staples, comes together quickly, and fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma while baking. It’s wholesome enough for everyday enjoyment yet indulgent enough to feel special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 medium apple, finely grated
½ cup unsweetened peanut butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and, if desired, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the grated apple, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf, yielding about 10 to 12 slices.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Baking time is about 50 minutes.
Total time is roughly 1 hour.
Variations
You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter if you prefer a different nut flavor. For added texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds. A sprinkle of chocolate chips can also add a touch of sweetness. To make muffins instead of a loaf, divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The bread also freezes well; wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave or toaster until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, very ripe bananas are ideal because they add more natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Can I make this bread vegan?
You can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey to make a vegan-friendly version.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds a bit of texture to each slice.
What type of apple is best?
A crisp apple like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp works best for balanced sweetness and moisture.
Can I use only all-purpose flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly if you don’t have whole wheat flour on hand.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the bread dense. Mix gently and measure accurately.
Can I add spices besides cinnamon?
Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice pairs nicely with the banana and apple flavors.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two separate loaf pans, adjusting baking time slightly if needed.
Is this bread suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s naturally sweetened and made with simple ingredients, making it a great option for kids.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Apple Banana Bread is a comforting, flavorful bake that blends fruit and nutty richness into a tender, satisfying loaf. Easy to prepare and versatile to enjoy, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again whenever you want something homemade, wholesome, and delicious.
A moist, flavorful quick bread made with ripe bananas, fresh apple, and creamy peanut butter. Naturally sweetened and warmly spiced, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 medium apple, finely grated
½ cup unsweetened peanut butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add grated apple, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and richness.
