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Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

A few years ago, I stumbled upon an apple cinnamon banana bread recipe that changed the way I viewed baking. At that time, I was just trying to use up some overripe bananas before they turned into a brown mush. 
As I added some diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, a beautiful aroma filled my kitchen. My family was intrigued, and soon this bread became a staple in our home. This isn't just any banana bread. It's a wonderful blend of flavors that takes breakfast to a new delicious level.
Let me take you on this journey where we explore apple cinnamon banana bread. We will cover everything from its history and mouthwatering flavor profile to some of my personal tips for making it perfect every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 304
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas with brown spots
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples
  • A pinch of sanding sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. First things first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it helps the bread bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
  1. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent any stickiness and make it easier to slice.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, sea salt, and ground flaxseeds. This is your dry mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined to avoid any clumps later on.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until it forms a smooth mixture. The bananas should break down nicely; it should look almost creamy.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
  1. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
  1. Now, gently fold in the diced apples. You want to evenly distribute them without crushing them.
Step 7: Transfer to the Pan
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour over top. Finish with a sprinkle of sanding sugar. This will give your loaf a lovely texture when baked.
Step 8: Bake
  1. Pop that beautiful creation in your oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it after about 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done. The house will begin to smell divine.
Step 9: Cool
  1. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Choose ripe bananas. The browner, the better. This guarantees maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Mixing too much can make the bread tough. Just mix until combined.
  • Use a kitchen scale. If you're serious about baking, weigh your ingredients for accuracy, especially flour.
  • Leave it to cool properly. Letting the bread cool completely is essential. This helps with slicing and ensures it doesn't crumble.
  • Experiment with spices. Don’t hesitate to add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for an added kick.