As a bakery cook, I always look for ways to elevate simple baked goods into something extraordinary. One of my favorite recipes that combines health with great taste is applesauce banana bread.
This applesauce banana bread replaces traditional fats like butter with applesauce, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Let me guide you through each step to create the perfect apple sauce banana bread, which balances natural sweetness and wholesome goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ 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: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How To Make Applesauce Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Make sure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 5: Pour Into Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious Applesauce Banana Bread!
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.
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
This Applesauce Banana Bread is a delightful and nourishing treat that perfectly balances the flavors of bananas and apples.
It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
The added applesauce not only enhances the moisture of the bread but also provides a subtle sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.
Give it a try, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your home ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up!