Apple and Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

My daughter just turned two last week, and I’m excited to share my favorite naturally sweetened banana bread recipe that's perfect for toddlers and loved by adults too!

Since she loves to eat apples and bananas, I created this Apple and Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting for her special day.

This recipe is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and apples, making it free from refined sugar while still deliciously satisfying.

The addition of peanut butter adds a creamy richness and a dose of healthy fats, while the bananas and apples provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your little one’s growing body.

It’s an easy, wholesome recipe that’s both nutritious and indulgent—a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy as a daily treat.

I used an 18-cm springform pan for this recipe. Follow my step-by-step instructions below to create this toddler-approved delight!

Wet Ingredients:

3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1 medium ripe apple, finely grated (skin on)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter (unsweetened)
1/4 cup plain yogurt (for moisture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins (for extra texture):

1/4 cup raisins or finely chopped dates (natural sweetness)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or seeds (optional for toddlers under 2 due to choking risk)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (if your toddler is over 1 year old)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line the base of your 18cm springform pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add grated apple, eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Mix the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in any optional add-ins like raisins or nuts, if desired.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with maple syrup or honey and vanilla extract until smooth.

7. Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bread. Decorate your bread.
Since I did not have enough time, my cream cheese frosting was not smooth and I made a simple decoration with thin apple slices.