Bananas that taste like apples are a special group of dessert bananas known for their sweet-tart balance and refreshing flavor. Unlike the common Cavendish, which is mild and creamy, these varieties carry a crisp tang that gives them an apple-like quality. Their smaller size, firmer flesh, and distinct aroma set them apart, making them highly sought after in tropical regions where they grow abundantly.
One defining feature of these bananas is their unique acidity. While most bananas are purely sweet, these types have a slight tartness that balances the flavor. This tangy undertone mimics the crisp freshness of apples, which is why they are often referred to as “apple bananas” in local markets. Their unusual taste profile makes them especially appealing in fruit salads and as a refreshing snack.
In many parts of Asia and the Pacific, these bananas are enjoyed daily. Varieties such as Latundan in the Philippines, Poovan in India, and Kluai Khai in Thailand are popular for their fruity brightness. Their flavor makes them stand out in tropical desserts, smoothies, and even traditional dishes where their apple-like sharpness adds depth.
Caribbean and Central American regions also grow apple-flavored bananas. For example, the Manzano banana, sometimes called the “true apple banana,” is especially prized for its balance of sweetness and tartness. Locals often eat it fresh, but it also works well in baked goods where its apple-like notes intensify when cooked.
The texture of these bananas also plays a role in their similarity to apples. Many of them are firmer and less mushy than Cavendish bananas, giving a bite that feels closer to eating an apple. This crispness, combined with their fruity tang, makes them more versatile for culinary uses, including pairing with cheeses, yogurt, or other fresh fruits.
Bananas That Taste Like Apples
Apple Bananas (Manzano)
Often called “apple bananas,” this variety is small, stubby, and sweet with a distinct tart undertone. Its taste is often compared to a cross between bananas and apples, with a refreshing bite.
Silk Bananas (Pisang Mas)
Known for their silky texture and delicate flavor, silk bananas are sweet with a subtle apple-like tang. They are popular in Southeast Asia and often eaten fresh.
Latundan Bananas
Common in the Philippines, Latundan bananas have a balanced sweet-tart taste. The hint of acidity gives them an apple-like freshness, making them stand out from creamier Cavendish bananas.
Candy Apple Bananas
This variety gets its name from its crisp sweetness that recalls the flavor of candy-coated apples. They are firmer than typical dessert bananas and enjoyed both fresh and in fruit salads.
Señorita Bananas
These tiny bananas, also from the Philippines, are creamy yet tangy. Their taste has a faint apple-like sharpness, especially when fully ripe, giving them a unique flavor compared to other miniature bananas.
Figue Pomme Bananas
Grown in the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti, this banana is literally nicknamed “apple banana” because of its crisp bite and mildly acidic, apple-like flavor. It is a local favorite eaten fresh.
Pome Bananas (Pisang Pome)
This variety from India is sweet with a fragrant tartness, often likened to apples. Its firm flesh makes it a good option for both eating raw and cooking lightly.
Amas Bananas
Found in the Philippines and Pacific islands, Amas bananas are short and plump with a distinctively sweet and slightly tart flavor. Many describe them as tasting like a mix of bananas and apples.
Poovan Bananas
Cultivated widely in South India, Poovan bananas are small and fragrant, with a tangy sweetness that echoes the taste of certain apple varieties. They are popular in traditional meals and desserts.
Kluai Khai Bananas
A Thai variety, Kluai Khai is small with thin skin and firm flesh. Its flavor profile includes a slight tartness that makes it taste faintly like apples, especially when fully ripe.