A fall-inspired twist on classic banana bread with warm spices, sweet bananas, and crunchy Apple Pie Oreo pieces.

When apple season rolls in, this Apple Harvest Banana Bread is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like an orchard. This bread is made with sweet ripe bananas, warm spices, and crunchy bits of Apple Pie Oreos that melt into the batter like pockets of pie crust. It’s the perfect loaf to bake after a trip to the farmers market or on a crisp weekend morning when you want that just-picked, fall-fresh feeling right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist texture with warm banana and apple pie flavor.
• Each slice has bits of crunchy Apple Pie Oreos for a fun twist.
• Perfect fall baking recipe for cozy weekends or gifting.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Smells like an apple orchard while it bakes.
• Delicious for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Ingredient Notes

• Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots- they’ll mash easily and add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Butter or oil: Either works here! Butter gives a rich, bakery-style flavor, while oil keeps the bread soft for days.
• Sugars: A mix of brown and granulated sugar adds sweetness and a hint of caramel depth that pairs perfectly with the apple pie flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the bread that warm, apple harvest aroma and cozy fall taste.
• Sour cream: The secret to a tender, moist crumb. It balances sweetness and keeps the texture soft.
• Apple Pie Oreos: Roughly chop the cookies because you want a mix of big chunks and small bits so each slice has a little crunch and buttery cookie flavor.
• Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking for sparkle, texture, and that just-baked bakery look.

Before You Bake

Do I need to use Apple Pie Oreos?
No, any spiced or cinnamon-flavored cookie works! Golden Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or even crushed graham crackers make great substitutes while keeping that fall flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This banana bread stays moist for up to three days when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze slices for up to three months- just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Should the bananas be mashed smooth or chunky?
Mash them mostly smooth but leave a few small chunks. It adds texture and those little banana pockets that make each bite extra soft and flavorful.

Apple Harvest Banana Bread

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
• 1/3 cup melted butter or neutral oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 12 Apple Pie Oreos, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping)
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in melted butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla.
3. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add flour and sour cream; mix just until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped Apple Pie Oreos, saving a few for the top.
6. Pour into the pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with extra Oreos and coarse sugar.
7. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

FAQ

How do I know when banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.

Can I add real apples to this recipe?
Yes! Fold in about ½ cup of finely diced apples for extra apple flavor and a little juiciness.

What kind of pan should I use?
A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best. If using a smaller pan, bake a few minutes longer and tent with foil halfway through if it browns too quickly.

Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until set in the centers.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with a little butter, honey, or caramel drizzle or enjoy it chilled with coffee for a sweet fall breakfast.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn your kitchen into a little apple harvest celebration. Play some acoustic folk music, fill the counter with apples, and let the scent of cinnamon and banana drift through the air while this loaf bakes. When it’s golden and ready, slice it warm and enjoy it with spiced cider or a drizzle of honey.