In my opinion, both apples and bananas are some of the easiest fruits to incorporate into your favorite baked goods. However, I often have a hard time choosing just one to include. So, if you're like me, and also a fan of both, you're definitely in the right place!

Both fruits combine to create the ultimate loaf in this perfectly moist Apple Banana Bread! It has a banana bread base, filled with diced apples, and topped with a crunchy oat streusel topping. With the addition of apples and oat crumble, this loaf is essentially an ultra delicious twist on a classic banana bread x apple crisp mashup!

Apple banana bread sliced to show diced apples inside.

As a banana bread lover myself, I know the absolute best banana breads are perfectly moist. Ripe bananas are a big part of that, but here’s the secret: diced apples take it to the next level. They add even more moisture, making each slice nearly melt in your mouth!

Of course, with two super moist fruits in one loaf, we really had to combat any risk of sogginess by 1) adding plenty of flour and 2) baking the bread low and slow (a lower temp, for a longer time). That way, the inside bakes through with the perfect moist crumb without burning the outside. Just don't forget the toothpick test! Poke the center with a toothpick to make sure it's fully cooked. It should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Using both banana and apple also creates layers of flavor. Bananas bring a rich sweetness and the apples add tart notes. I always recommend using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples in all of my apple-loaded baking, as they are juicy, crisp, and hold their shape best in high temps.

While this banana bread is sure to be a hit any time of the year, the warm cinnamon, crunchy oat topping, and crisp apples give it a cozy, fall-inspired feel. It's like the perfect blend between an apple cake, apple crisp, and banana bread. Because why have just one simple dessert, when you can have 3-in-1?!

For more dessert mashups like this one, try this Apple Pumpkin Bread which also combines a delicious pumpkin loaf with an apple crisp-like vibe or these Pumpkin Banana Muffins that combines two of the best kinds of muffins into one!

This apple banana bread is great all around for breakfast, snack, and dessert? YUP. It also freezes beautifully so it can be made in advance or in multiple batches. (I always double the recipe so I can stash a loaf in my freezer!)

But if you aren't in the mood for a dessert-style baked good for breakfast, these Banana Bread Baked Oats might be a better recipe for you instead. They're lightly sweetened with maple syrup, made with just a few simple ingredients, and perfect for meal prep or mornings on the go!

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray an 8x4x3-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper and allow it to hang over the long sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the crumb topping: Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumb.

Dry ingredients whisked together in a bowl.

Step 3: Make the bread: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

Butter and sugar beaten together in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: To the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and sugar. Beat together until pale and combined, about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Beat in egg until combined. Add mashed banana and vanilla extract. Beat again.

Eggs, vanilla, and flour all mixed together with the butter in a mixing bowl.

Step 6: Pour flour mixture into the wet batter. Beat until just combined and there is no dry flour remaining.

Apples coated in flour in a mixing bowl.

Step 7: To a medium bowl, add diced apples and 2 tablespoons flour. Stir to coat the apples in the flour.

⭐️ Quick Tip! Coating the apples in flour helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread. When the flour mixes with the batter, it acts as a glue, securing the apples in place.

Flour coated apples added to the batter in the bowl.

Step 8: Add diced apples to the bowl with the rest of the batter. Using a rubber spatula, fold apples into the batter.

Raw batter and oat crumble in a loaf pan.

Step 9: Scoop batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle cold crumb topping evenly over top.

Step 10: Bake for 85 to 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean with just a few crumbs. You may need to tent the bread with foil if the crumb topping starts to get too brown.

Step 11: Allow bread to cool for 30 minutes in the pan before using the parchment paper sling to remove it and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.

A loaf of apple banana bread on a wood platter with slices around it.

My Top Tips!

⭐️ Make sure to measure the mashed banana! Bananas come in all different sizes, making it difficult to provide an exact number of bananas needed for this recipe. You'll want to aim for exactly ¾ cup of mashed banana instead.

⭐️ Because of the moistness from the bananas and apples, this bread has a slightly longer baking time than others. Make sure to watch it carefully so the crumble on top doesn’t burn! Check after about 30 minutes and tent with foil for the remainder of the time, once the crumb topping looks perfectly golden.