Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise with the most irresistible Apple Harvest Banana Bread you've ever tasted! Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and ripe bananas filling your home, creating a sensory experience that will make your mouth water before you even take the first bite. This isn't just another banana bread recipe - it's a game-changing twist that combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the sweet, harvest-time essence of apples that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup apple sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps for a consistent texture.
- Add 1 cup of apple sauce to the mashed bananas and mix well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until well blended. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted butter and mix until smooth.
- Crack 2 eggs into the sugar and butter mixture, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is slightly frothy.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the banana and apple sauce mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- In another bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the Apple Harvest Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter for a delicious treat!
Tips
- • Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture - the browner, the better! • Don't overmix the batter; gentle folding prevents a tough, dense bread • Check your bread's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its perfect texture • Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep fresh for 3-4 days • For extra richness, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter • If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
