Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Inspiration

I love making banana bread, especially when I can sneak in some delicious applesauce. It adds a moist texture and a hint of sweetness that really elevates the classic flavor. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also a great way to use up overripe bananas. I find that incorporating applesauce also allows me to cut back on the amount of sugar and fat without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Let's dive in!

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:37:34.782Z

When I first added applesauce to my banana bread, I was amazed at how much it enhanced the banana flavor while keeping everything wonderfully moist. The key is using unsweetened applesauce; it allows the natural sweetness of the bananas to shine through without overwhelming it. A generous dash of cinnamon also ramps up the cozy vibes of this treat, making it perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon snack.

I've experimented with mix-ins, and while walnuts are a beloved choice, I often find dried cranberries or chocolate chips add an unexpected twist. Don’t hesitate to try different variations; you might discover your new favorite version of banana bread!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist texture with a delightful sweetness from applesauce
A healthier twist on classic banana bread
Easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for beginners

      

Ingredient Insights

The star of this Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe is undoubtedly the bananas. They should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots; this stage maximizes their natural sweetness and ensures the bread is tender. The bananas provide moisture and flavor, but the applesauce plays a crucial supporting role by keeping the bread moist while allowing you to use less butter. If you're out of applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of yogurt, which will yield similar results in terms of texture and flavor.

Sugar is another key player in this recipe. While 3/4 cup gives a balanced sweetness, feel free to adjust according to your taste or dietary preferences. I often replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just remember that liquid sweeteners add additional moisture, so you might need to reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the ideal batter consistency.

Baking Tips

To bake the perfect banana bread, precise measurements are crucial. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure you're measuring ingredients like flour accurately, as too much can lead to a dense loaf. Furthermore, remember that the order of mixing matters. Always combine wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry mix to prevent lumps. When mixing, stop as soon as the ingredients are combined; overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher bread.

Monitoring the baking time is essential to achieving that beautiful golden crust. Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway to ensure even baking. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your tasty banana bread with applesauce.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all your ingredients well for a delightful banana bread batter!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your banana bread.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, applesauce, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract into the banana mixture.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Mix-ins

Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice your banana bread and enjoy a warm, homemade treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try glazing the top with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and a splash of milk for a sweet finish.

Storage and Reheating

To store your banana bread, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for about 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider slicing the bread and freezing it. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread can be reheated directly in a toaster or microwave, making for a quick breakfast or snack.

If you find your banana bread becomes too dry after storage, try warming it slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or cover it with a damp paper towel while microwaving. This extra moisture will help revive the texture, making it enjoyable once again.

Flavor Variations

This banana bread recipe is versatile, allowing for numerous flavor variations. For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or diced pineapple to the batter. If you're a fan of spices, consider incorporating nutmeg or ginger, which complement the banana and applesauce beautifully. Alternatively, experimenting with different mix-ins such as dried fruits, peanut butter swirls, or even a bit of espresso powder can give the bread a unique flair that keeps it exciting.

For an even richer flavor, you can brown the butter before adding it to the mixture. This process gives the bread a nuttier flavor and makes the bread feel extra luxurious. Just remember to let the browned butter cool slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I store the banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

→ What can I do with leftover bananas?

You can freeze overripe bananas for smoothies or banana muffins as well!