There’s something about the smell of baking bread that just hugs you from the inside out, right? I remember my mom making banana bread on lazy Sunday mornings, the warm aroma drifting through our house, making everyone’s stomachs growl. Well, this peanut butter apple banana bread is like that cozy classic but with a delicious twist—I add in chunks of fresh apple and a swirl of peanut butter that takes it to a whole new level. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to make my kitchen smell heavenly. Plus, it’s crazy easy to put together, which is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Honestly, this one’s a lifesaver on busy nights or whenever you need a comforting treat that’s still a little nourishing. My kids ask for this all the time, and I love that I can sneaky-in some fruit and protein, making it a win-win for everyone. Trust me, once you try this peanut butter apple banana bread, it’s going to be a regular in your baking rotation—no exaggeration!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is peanut butter banana bread?
Think of peanut butter apple banana bread as a soft, moist loaf that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and crisp apple chunks with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. It’s essentially a quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The name says it all—it’s packed with peanut butter, and the apples and bananas add layers of fruity goodness and moisture. This bread is inspired by those delightful banana bread recipes we all grew up loving, but I always do a little twist by adding apple slices and a swirl of peanut butter, making each slice extra indulgent. It’s like a kind of family comfort food, but elevated with fresh ingredients and a cozy aroma that makes everyone gather around the kitchen. My favorite part? The way the peanut butter melts into the batter, creating little pockets of creamy heaven in every bite. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get kids to eat fruit—who’s going to turn down a slice of this goodness?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about this peanut butter apple banana bread is how foolproof and versatile it is. It’s a one-bowl wonder that comes together in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or when unexpected guests pop by. The flavor? Oooh, it’s addictive. The bananas give it that deep, caramelized sweetness, the apples add a subtle crunch, and the peanut butter swirls through, giving it a salty richness that perfectly balances all that fruit sweetness. And the smell—oh my gosh, the smell alone will have your whole house smelling like heaven! This bread is also incredibly forgiving. I’ve tested it with different types of apples, almond butter instead of peanut, and even added a sprinkle of cinnamon—it’s flexible enough to adapt to what you have lying around. Plus, it’s budget-friendly since most ingredients are pantry staples. I’ve served this for breakfast with a smear of extra peanut butter, as a snack on the go, or warmed up with a drizzle of honey for dessert. It’s genuinely a crowd-pleaser—kids love it, grown-ups love it, and I’ve never had a batch last more than a day around my house!
How do I make banana bread with peanut butter and bananas?
Quick Overview
This bread comes together quickly and easily—no fancy tools needed, just a mixing bowl and a spoon. You mix your mashed bananas, grated apple, and peanut butter into a smooth batter, then pour it into a loaf pan. Before baking, I like to swirl a little more peanut butter on top for that extra visual and flavor punch. A quick bake in the oven, and you’ve got a moist, fragrant loaf. What makes this stand out is how forgiving it is—no overmixing, no complicated techniques, and it’s almost impossible to mess up. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for whenever you want something sweet, healthy-ish, and totally satisfying. The best part? You’ll have warm, fresh bread in just about an hour, filling your house with a smell so good, everyone will ask for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed—really ripe ones give the best flavor and moisture
- 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)—peeled or unpeeled based on your preference
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter—natural is best for flavor, but store-bought works too
- 2 large eggs—fresh and at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar (adjust for sweetness)
For the Filling:
- Extra peanut butter for swirling
For the Glaze (optional):
“New family favorite! This Nutty Apple Banana Bread Recipe was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or almond milk
- A drizzle of honey or extra peanut butter for flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—trust me, this makes removal so much easier later. I always do this first so I don’t forget. It’s also good to have your ingredients measured and ready—mise en place makes baking a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Doing this upfront helps everything disperse evenly and prevents clumping, which can mess with your final texture. It’s a simple step but makes all the difference in the final rise and crumb of your bread.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In your main mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth—don’t worry if there are a few tiny lumps, they add texture. Add in the peanut butter, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined—this batter should look slightly thick but smooth. If the peanut butter is stubborn, pop the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds first—that warms it up and makes it easier to incorporate.
Step 4: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make your bread dense, so stop when you see no streaks of flour. Fold in the grated apple last, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Take a few spoonfuls of peanut butter and gently warm it for 10 seconds if it’s too stiff. This makes swirling easier. Keep a spoon handy for dolloping and swirling it into the batter later.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top, then add the remaining batter. Use a skewer or a knife to swirl the peanut butter through the batter—kind of like making a marbled cake. Don’t overdo it; you want nice ribbons, not a muddy swirl.
Step 7: Bake
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the top—if it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil. Every oven is different, so start checking at around 50 minutes!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If you’re adding a glaze, mix the powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread once it’s slightly set. This adds a lovely sweetness and makes it look so pretty!
“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from this Nutty Apple Banana Bread Recipe!”
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Use a serrated knife to cut the bread into thick slices—this makes it easier to get that perfect, gooey peanut butter swirl. Serve warm or at room temperature. I love it with a pat of butter or a dollop of yogurt on the side.
What to Serve It With
This peanut butter apple banana bread is spectacular in so many ways. For breakfast, pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—my kids love dunking their slices! It’s equally wonderful for brunch, especially when served alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait. For dessert, warm a slice and top with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of natural honey—seriously divine. If you’re craving something more casual, this bread makes a fantastic snack—just cut thick slices and wrap them up for on-the-go munching. I’ve also tried it toasted with a smear of jam or Nutella, and it’s become a household favorite. Trust me, it’s a comforting, flexible treat that your whole family will inhale!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Apple Banana Bread
Here are my best tricks for taking this bread from good to amazing. First, make sure your bananas are really ripe—they should have lots of brown spots and smell sweet. That’s where most of the flavor comes from. When grating the apple, I like to use a fine grater to avoid too much moisture—juicy apples can make the batter too wet and dense. Pat the grated apple dry with a paper towel if needed. As for the peanut butter, I prefer natural, runny varieties — they blend better and give a more luscious flavor. When mixing the batter, fold gently—overmixing is the enemy of fluffiness here. For swirling the peanut butter, use a toothpick or skewer to create pretty ribbons, not a pan full of muddy streaks. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it after 50 minutes. If it’s browning too fast, a loose piece of foil works wonders to prevent burning. For toppings or glazes, feel free to experiment with honey, maple syrup, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Once you get the hang of it, each loaf becomes a little masterpiece—just trust your instincts and don’t overthink it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This bread is best enjoyed fresh but holds up well for a few days. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap—just don’t leave it out too long in hot weather, or it might get a little too moist. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up and pop it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For even longer storage, wrap each slice in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I recommend defrosting overnight or reheating slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds until warm. If you like a gooey peanut butter swirl, add more glaze or serve it slightly warm. If you’ve glazed it, it’s best to consume within a day or two for the best texture. And remember—if you want to add a fresh drizzle of peanut butter or honey, do it after reheating; that way, the flavors stay bright!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, a good loaf of bread is a little piece of magic in the kitchen. This peanut butter apple banana bread has become one of my favorites because it’s practically foolproof, insanely tasty, and fills my house with that irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for lazy weekends, snack time, or whenever you’re craving something comforting but still wholesome. My family devours it, and I love knowing I’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent but isn’t packed with junk. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—swap the apples for pear or add a handful of chocolate chips if that’s your thing. I encourage you to play around, tweak a thing or two, and make it your own. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who could use a little sweetness in their day. It’s a true hug in a loaf—enjoy every bite!
peanut butter apple banana bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 0.33 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup grated apples
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or grease and flour it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula or stir until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and grated apples until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in peanut butter chips.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow bread to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optional: serve with additional peanut butter or a drizzle of honey.
