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As the crisp autumn air begins to make its presence felt, I can’t help but reminisce about the comforting scents of freshly baked goods wafting through my home. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the combination of ripe bananas and tart apples, especially when transformed into delightful Apple Banana Bread Muffins. One bite and you’ll be met with a burst of flavor, courtesy of the natural sweetness of the fruit, perfectly complemented by a warm, cinnamon crumble topping.

These muffins are a revelation—not only do they offer a healthier alternative to traditional sweets, but they also bring a sense of coziness to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast solution, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert to share with loved ones, these muffins tick all the boxes. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s not just about baking, but about creating memories filled with fall flavors and wholesome goodness.

Why Will You Love Apple Banana Bread Muffins?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweet combination of ripe bananas and tart apples brings a delightful complexity to every bite.

Cinnamon Crumble Perfection: A crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping elevates these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary.

Health-Conscious Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they fit seamlessly into your day.

Quick to Make: Whip them up in just one bowl, saving you time on cleanup.

Apple Banana Bread Muffin Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create these deliciously healthier Apple Banana Bread Muffins!

For the Muffins

All-purpose flour – The backbone of these muffins; swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
Almond flour – Adds moisture and healthy fats; use oat flour for a nut-free alternative.
Baking powder & baking soda – Essential for a light, fluffy texture.
Kosher salt – Brings out all the delicious flavors.
Ground cinnamon – Provides warmth and a hint of sweetness.
Maple syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances flavor; honey or agave syrup are good substitutes.
Applesauce – Keeps the muffins moist while reducing fat.
Coconut oil or butter (melted) – Enriches the muffins; feel free to use any neutral oil instead.
Vanilla extract – Imparts depth of flavor that makes these muffins special.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a sturdy muffin.
Ripe bananas (mashed) – Naturally sweet and moist, they are the heart of the recipe.
Apples (chopped or shredded) – Boosts fruitiness; any variety works, like Honeycrisp or Fuji.

For the Crumble Topping

Brown sugar – Sweetens up the crumble topping; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
Almond flour (for topping) – Gives a nice texture; can be replaced with all-purpose flour.
Butter (for topping) – Adds richness; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Apple Banana Bread Muffins

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step ensures your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Whisk together all dry ingredients—both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon—in a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined to create a uniform texture.
Combine the wet ingredients. Add maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, egg, mashed bananas, and chopped or shredded apples into the bowl with the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
Fill 12 paper-lined muffin cups generously with the batter, ensuring each cup is about three-quarters full. This way, they’ll puff up nicely during baking.
For the Crumble: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, almond flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over each muffin before baking.
Bake the muffins for 30 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door too early to maintain a steady temperature. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
Cool them in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool prevents sogginess.

Optional: Serve warm with a pat of butter for an extra delightful treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Apple Banana Bread Muffins

Feel free to explore these tasty tweaks and swaps to make this recipe uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for delicious muffins everyone can enjoy.
Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with oat flour for those avoiding nuts while still keeping the muffins moist.
Sweetener Swap: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different sweet profile that compliments the fruit.
Fruit Burst: Incorporate dried cranberries or blueberries for added sweetness and texture, creating an explosion of flavor in each bite.
Spice It Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist that enhances the fall flavors.

For a fun twist, consider marbling in some chocolate batter! Just swirl melted dark chocolate into the muffin batter before baking for a decadent surprise.

Pumpkin Alternative: Replace bananas with pumpkin puree for a seasonal take that’s equally delicious and delightful.
Coconut Flavor: Add shredded coconut into the batter or topping to give your muffins a tropical flair that complements the fruits beautifully.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Banana Bread Muffins

Room Temperature: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain their moisture and freshness.

Fridge: For longer shelf-life, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might alter the texture slightly.

Freezer: Freeze muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm up in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy your comforting Apple Banana Bread Muffins fresh!

What to Serve with Apple Banana Bread Muffins?

These delightful muffins are perfect when paired with wholesome sides that echo their cozy flavors.

Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast, bringing a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the muffins.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing burst of flavor and brightness that complements the natural sweetness of the muffins.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: For those who crave a touch more sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup creates a decadent pairing worthy of breakfast or dessert.
Nut Butter Spread: A generous swipe of almond or peanut butter adds a protein boost, enhancing both flavor and texture with its rich creaminess.
Hot Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai makes for the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside these muffins, offering warmth and comfort in every sip.
Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A slice of toasted bread with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar creates a delightful crunch to contrast with the soft muffins.
Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter with sharp cheddar or creamy brie presents a sophisticated edge, balancing the sweetness of the muffins with savory flavors.

Expert Tips for Apple Banana Bread Muffins

Don’t Peek: Avoid opening the oven too early, as this can cause the muffins to sink. Wait at least 25 minutes before checking for doneness.
Fill Generously: Make sure to fill the muffin cups about three-quarters full. This helps them rise beautifully and create that perfect dome shape.
Apple Choice: Feel free to use any apple variety you love; no need to peel them—especially with sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Consistent Temperature: Always preheat your oven beforehand to ensure a consistent baking environment for the muffins to puff up properly.
Moisture Check: If your muffins come out too dry, consider adding an extra tablespoon of applesauce to the batter next time for improved moisture.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these Apple Banana Bread Muffins gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Banana Bread Muffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weekdays! You can mix the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in the fridge covered tightly to maintain its freshness. Additionally, the crumble topping can be prepared and refrigerated separately for up to 3 days; just sprinkle it over the muffins before baking. To ensure they bake up just as delicious as fresh, simply preheat the oven right before you plan to bake and fill your muffin cups with the batter. In no time, you’ll have warm, cinnamon-sweet muffins ready to enjoy!

Apple Banana Bread Muffins Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use ripe bananas that are streaked with brown spots; they’re sweeter and more flavorful. If you have overripe bananas, that’s even better—they’ll add great moisture and natural sweetness to your Apple Banana Bread Muffins.

How should I store the muffins?
You can store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moisture. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but keep in mind that refrigeration might slightly alter their texture.

Can I freeze the muffins, and how do I do it?
Very! To freeze, first place the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the muffins into a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to 1 month. For best results, label the bag with the date! When you’re ready to eat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

What if my muffins sink in the middle?
If your muffins sink in the middle, it might be due to opening the oven door too early or not having the proper oven temperature. I recommend waiting at least 25 minutes before checking for doneness, and make sure you’re preheating the oven properly. Sprinkling the crumble topping can also help with structure, so be sure to add that!

Are these muffins suitable for guests with allergies?
Feel free to adapt! This recipe can easily accommodate allergies; simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use applesauce instead of eggs for a vegan option. If you have nut allergies, be sure to substitute almond flour with oat flour and use coconut oil instead of butter.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If there’s any wet batter on the toothpick, give them a few more minutes, but avoid peeking for at least 25 minutes to ensure they rise properly.