Banana Bread Recipe With Applesauce
This Banana Bread Recipe with Applesauce is a healthier, moist, and flavorful twist on the classic treat. Made with ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe reduces fat while enhancing natural sweetness and softness. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan For baking the banana bread.
- Mixing bowls One for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the bananas.
- Whisk To mix dry ingredients together.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in applesauce, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined; fold in any optional add-ins.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even completely brown peels.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar, especially if your bananas are very ripe.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense bread. Stir until just combined for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary. Start checking with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your bread is done!
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slicing too early may cause it to crumble.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for a healthier option, or use flax eggs for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Optional Add-ins: Customize your banana bread by adding chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or even coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.