Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup applesauce; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when I can add a twist with applesauce. This recipe has become a family favorite, combining the sweet, rich flavors of ripe bananas with the moistness of applesauce, creating a delightful loaf that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine through. I can't wait to share this scrumptious recipe with you, so you too can enjoy this irresistible banana bread!

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:57:35.103Z

When I first tried using applesauce in my banana bread, I was amazed at how much more moist and flavorful it became. The applesauce not only adds a lovely texture but also helps to reduce the amount of oil or butter needed, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. I remember taking my first bite and being blown away by the combination of flavors—it's magical!

Another tip I discovered is to use very ripe bananas; the more spots they have, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread will be. I always mash them well to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the loaf, and it makes all the difference. It’s a recipe I cherish and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy just as much.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful with the perfect blend of banana and apple
Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Great for breakfast or as a healthy snack option

Mastering the Art of Banana Bread

In banana bread, ripe bananas are not just a flavor base; they are essential for achieving that moist, tender crumb we all love. The ideal bananas for this recipe are speckled with brown spots, indicating peak ripeness and maximum sweetness. These overripe bananas break down easily, ensuring a smoother batter that contributes to a beautifully cohesive loaf. If you find yourself with only slightly ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

Applesauce plays a pivotal role in this recipe, complementing the bananas not just in flavor but also by enhancing the moisture content. If you prefer a more pronounced apple flavor, opt for unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon, or consider pureeing a peeled apple instead. When measuring applesauce, ensure it’s at room temperature to prevent an impact on the batter's consistency, which can affect the final texture of your bread.

Baking Techniques for Success

When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Stir gently until the flour is just incorporated, leaving a few lumps. This technique will help maintain the bread's soft texture and allow for soft, airy slices. If you want to incorporate additional mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, add them in after the dry ingredients are combined, folding them in gently to keep the batter light.

To determine if your banana bread is ready, perform the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If there's wet batter, give it another 5-10 minutes in the oven, checking periodically to avoid overbaking. This attention to detail will ensure you achieve that sought-after golden-brown crust.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, slice it for serving, but make sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Wrap slices in plastic wrap or store the entire loaf in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider wrapping the loaf in foil and freezing it. Frozen banana bread can be defrosted at room temperature or lightly toasted for a delightful breakfast treat.

For serving, I love to enjoy this bread plain, but it also pairs wonderfully with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for added richness. To elevate it further, serve it warm with sliced strawberries or a drizzle of honey. Additionally, if you want to experiment, try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist that enhances the flavor profile of your bread.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your banana bread!

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to make the most delicious banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious banana bread!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, applesauce, sugar, oil, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Now you can enjoy your delightful banana bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Flavor Variations

While the classic banana and applesauce combination is delightful, feel free to get creative with flavor additions. You can incorporate spices like cinnamon or ginger for a warm, spiced bread. A tablespoon of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, balancing the sweetness nicely. If you’re a fan of chocolate, fold in half a cup of chocolate chips or cacao nibs into the batter for a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.

For a nutty crunch, consider adding walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped, into the mix. Nuts not only add texture but also contribute healthy fats, making the bread even more satisfying. Be cautious not to add too many mix-ins; a cup total should be sufficient to keep the batter’s integrity without overwhelming the primary flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread sinks in the middle after baking, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature by using an oven thermometer, as some ovens can run hot or cold. A center that remains soggy suggests the batter needs more time. On the other hand, if your bread turns out too dry, consider adjusting your flour measurement or adding a touch more applesauce next time.

Another common issue is uneven rising. This could happen if you didn’t mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly enough. Make sure to incorporate them gently, as mentioned earlier, to develop the batter uniformly. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh; expired leavening agents can result in a dense loaf, as they won’t provide the necessary lift.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’re entertaining a crowd or just want to batch bake for the week, scaling up this banana bread recipe is simple. To make two loaves, simply double the ingredients, and split the batter between two greased loaf pans. You may need to adjust your baking time slightly, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than usual to avoid overbaking.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller portion, you can halve the recipe easily. Use a smaller loaf pan or even a muffin tin for portion control—a quick bake time of 20-25 minutes will yield delightful muffins. Just remember to check for doneness with the toothpick method, as muffin sizes can vary the baking time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How can I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I do if I don’t have applesauce?

You can replace applesauce with an equal amount of yogurt or additional mashed bananas.