Apple Pie Banana Bread

Fluffy and moist banana bread with chunks of cinnamon stewed apples and topped with a pecan streusel.

This Apple Pie Banana Bread is fluffy and moist and embedded with chunks of soft cinnamon apples and topped with a buttery pecan streusel. It truly is autumn in dessert form.

As soon as fall hits, I am in banana bread baking mode. It truly is the perfect baked good to pair with a warm cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day.

This banana bread is not like your traditional banana bread. It is filled with chunks of soft cinnamon apples and topped with the most delicious pecan streusel.

Why you’ll love this Apple Pie Banana Bread:

Simple and easy to make. This recipe is easy to make and contains simple baking ingredients.

Flavor-packed. The cinnamon stewed apples really make this recipe so addicting. They are cooked with brown sugar and cinnamon until soft and tender and folded into the banana bread batter that’s spice with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Moist and fluffy. The texture of this banana bread is unreal – it’s perfectly moist and fluffy from the ripe bananas, maple syrup, almond butter, egg, and combination of baking soda and powder.

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Apples – my favorite to use in this recipe is honey crisp, but fuji or pink lady also works.
• Bananas – you need to use extra ripe bananas in this recipe for optimal texture and sweetness level.
• Unsalted butter – you can substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Maple syrup – can substitute with agave. Honey is more concentrated and sweeter, just keep in mind.
• Almond butter – can substitute with peanut butter, but almond will pair better with the spices and apple.
• Egg – can substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2 tbsp water).
• Brown sugar – brown or light sugar works well in this recipe. Can substitute with coconut sugar, if preferred.
• All-purpose flour – a 1-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour may work in this recipe.
• Almond flour – I love the addition of almond flour for an extra nutty taste and some added texture.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – adds so much flavor that pairs deliciously with the apples.

How to make Apple Pie Banana Bread:

Stewed Apples

1. Combine all stewed apple ingredients together in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until apples are soft. Transfer to a bowl to cool a bit and set aside.

Pecan Streusel

1. Combine flour, pecans, sugars, and salt. Add cubed butter and cut into flour using your fingertips or back of a fork until fully combined. Set aside.

Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until mostly smooth (a few clumps are ok). Whisk in melted butter, maple syrup, almond butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
3. Add flours, baking soda, spices, baking powder, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine until a smooth and pourable batter forms. Fold in stewed apples. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle over streusel. 
4. Bake for 55-65 minutes until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted comes with a few moist crumbs. If top browns too quickly, you can cover top loosely with foil.
5. Remove from oven and cool in the loaf pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Cool for at least 1-2 hrs before slicing and serving.
6. Cover or tightly wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Recipe Modifications:

To make this recipe vegan:

• Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter (my favorite brands are Country Crock and Earth Balance)
• Substitute egg with flax egg by mixing 1 tbsp flaxseed meal and 2 1/2 tbsp water and letting sit for 5 min to thicken.

Storage Instructions:

Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4-5 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

More Delicious Fall Recipes…

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
• Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

Also, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram don’t forget to tag me @healthienut + #healthienut! I love seeing your mouthwatering recreations!