Applesauce banana bread combines ripe bananas and applesauce to create a moist, flavorful loaf. The bananas lend a rich sweetness while the applesauce adds a smooth texture and a subtle tartness.
I made this Applesauce banana bread for my family, a simple yet satisfying treat for our cozy weekend morning.
The kids eagerly watched as I mashed the bananas and mixed the ingredients, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
The Applesauce banana bread baked to a golden perfection, and the whole family gathered around, savoring every bite of this comforting, homemade creation.
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Banana Bread
✔ Moist and Flavorful: The combination of banana and apple sauce ensures a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
✔ Healthier Option: Using apple sauce reduces the amount of added sugar and fat, making it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread.
✔ Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
✔ Versatile: Customize your bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
How To Prepare Applesauce Banana Bread?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
- Potato masher or fork (for mashing bananas)
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 1½ cups)
- 2¼ cups whole wheat flour or spelt flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or melted coconut oil
How To Make Applesauce Banana Bread
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1½ cups.
2. To the mashed bananas, add eggs, applesauce (or yogurt), maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted oil. Whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations Of Applesauce Banana Bread
1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. The rich chocolate complements the banana and apple sauce beautifully.
2. Nutty Banana Bread:
Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their taste.
3. Cinnamon Raisin Banana Bread:
Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy, spiced flavor. This variation brings a lovely sweetness and texture to each slice.
4. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread:
Substitute 1/2 cup of apple sauce with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice. This creates a delightful fall-inspired bread that’s perfect for the season.
5. Coconut Banana Bread:
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair. This variation pairs well with the banana and apple sauce, adding a chewy texture and hint of coconut flavor.
Tips For Achieving The Best Results
1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal taste.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so be gentle to keep it light and fluffy.
3. Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour—spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents using too much flour, which can make the bread dry.
4. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
Health Benefits
Applesauce banana bread offers several health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins like B6, supporting heart health and digestion. Applesauce provides antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting immunity and skin health. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, helping with digestion and maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar reduces the glycemic index, making it a healthier choice. The addition of eggs and coconut oil provides protein and healthy fats, contributing to overall energy and satiety.
Storage Tips
➤ Room Temperature: Store any leftover banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
➤ Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week.
➤ Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
The applesauce banana bread turned out to be an easy success, with its perfect balance of flavors and moist texture.
The process was simple, and the result was a comforting, wholesome treat that brought joy to my family. I’m happy with how everything came together smoothly, from mashing the bananas to pulling the golden loaf from the oven.
I hope this applesauce banana bread continues to be a go-to favorite, offering a delicious way to enjoy healthier baked goods while filling the kitchen with warmth and love.
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Applesauce Banana Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
- Potato masher or fork (for mashing bananas)
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe bananas mashed, about 1½ cups
- 2¼ cups whole wheat flour or spelt flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1½ cups.
- To the mashed bananas, add eggs, applesauce (or yogurt), maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted oil. Whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.