Apple Banana Bread with Oat Crumble Topping

Banana bread just got a cozy fall upgrade. This Apple Banana Bread with Oat Crumble Topping is soft, perfectly sweet, and finished with a buttery oat crumble that bakes into a golden, crunchy layer you’ll want on every loaf from now on.

What is Apple Banana Bread with Oat Crumble Topping?

This apple banana bread takes classic banana bread up a notch with chunks of tender apple and a buttery oat crumble baked right on top. The result is a bread that’s soft, slightly dense, and bursting with the familiar aroma of cinnamon and caramelized fruit. It’s the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with warmth and your morning with comfort.

Unlike a traditional banana bread, this version layers in fresh apple for a bit of brightness and texture. The crumble topping brings a golden, crisp finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make anytime you have overripe bananas—or just want something that feels a little extra special with your morning coffee.

Ingredients You Need

Topping

• All-Purpose Flour – This forms the base of both the bread and crumble, giving the loaf structure while keeping it tender. We love using it for its light texture and consistent results.
• Light Brown Sugar – This adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps the topping caramelize beautifully as it bakes. 
• Rolled Oats – These create a rustic, hearty crumble topping. We love how they toast up in the oven, adding nutty depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon – This is a great way to add warm, cozy flavor that complements both the apple and banana. A hint of spice makes every bite comforting.
• Fine Sea Salt – A pinch enhances the sweetness and brings balance to the entire loaf. We add it to both the crumble and the batter for even flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – We love using unsalted butter so we can control the salt level perfectly.

Banana Bread

• Bananas – Mashed ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, creating that signature soft crumb. We love using extra ripe ones for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter – Butter keeps the bread rich and moist.
• Granulated Sugar – Sugar balances the fruit’s natural sweetness and helps the bread bake evenly. It gives the loaf a beautifully golden crust.
• Eggs – Eggs help the bread rise and stay light while adding richness.
• Vanilla Extract – This extract adds a soft, aromatic note that enhances the sweetness. 
• Sea Salt – Just a touch rounds out all the sweet, buttery notes. 
• Cinnamon – This spice adds an extra layer of warmth that ties the apple and banana together. We love the cozy aroma it brings to the kitchen.
• Sour Cream or Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – This keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle tang. 
• Baking Soda – This helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light without being dry. Always make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
• Apple – Fresh chopped apple adds sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture throughout the loaf. We love the balance it brings against the creamy banana base.

How to Make Apple Banana Bread with Oat Crumble Topping

1. Create the crumble. Combine the dry ingredients for the topping, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks sandy and holds together in small clumps. Set aside while you make the batter.
2. Mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together the mashed bananas and melted butter until the texture is silky and smooth. Stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt until everything is well combined.
3. Add the creamy element. Blend in the sour cream and baking soda, stirring until the batter looks light and uniform.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients. Fold in the flour and cinnamon gently until just combined—overmixing can make the loaf dense.
5. Add the fruit. Stir in the chopped apple so the pieces are evenly distributed through the batter. Transfer to a greased loaf pan and smooth the surface.
6. Top and bake. Add the crumble evenly over the top, pressing it gently into the batter so it bakes into a golden crust. Bake until set and fragrant.
7. Cool and slice. Let the bread rest before transferring it to a rack. Once cooled, slice thick and enjoy with coffee or warm butter.

Variations

• Nuts – Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a toasty crunch that pairs perfectly with the crumble.
• Fruit – Try a pear instead of an apple for a slightly floral, softer texture that melts into the bread.
• Spice – A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds cozy bakery-style flavor and enhances the cinnamon.
• Chocolate – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a rich twist that turns this into dessert-worthy banana bread.
• Maple – Finish off slices with a simple maple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Can I Store Leftovers?

Store your apple banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for the best texture—the crumble topping stays crisp and the loaf remains soft.

Refrigerate it if you want it to last longer, though the topping will soften slightly as moisture redistributes.

Freeze slices or the whole loaf once cooled completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months, then thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to refresh the crumble.

Common Questions about Apple Banana Bread with Oat Crumble Topping

More Quickbread Recipes

If you love easy, sweet breads that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, and holidays, you won’t want to miss our other popular quickbread recipes!

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