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 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

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This moist and flavorful Banana Bread with Applesauce is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas while adding a delicious twist with applesauce.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-02T00:52:04.329Z

This Banana Bread with Applesauce is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the moisture of applesauce. It's perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture with every bite
Naturally sweetened with bananas and applesauce
Easy to make and perfect for using overripe bananas

      

The Benefits of Using Applesauce in Baking

Incorporating applesauce into your banana bread recipe not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a moist and tender texture. Applesauce acts as a natural sweetener, allowing you to reduce added sugars without sacrificing taste. This is especially beneficial for those who are health-conscious or looking to create a lighter loaf without compromising on flavor.

Furthermore, applesauce adds a subtle fruity note that complements the bananas beautifully. The combination of these two ingredients creates a harmonious balance, making each bite of your banana bread a delightful experience. Plus, using applesauce can help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a more cohesive batter.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

To achieve the best results when making banana bread, it’s crucial to use overripe bananas. The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even completely brown; these are perfect for mashing and baking.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, which is not the desired outcome. Remember, a few lumps are okay!

Storing and Serving Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes for that freshly baked taste.

Serving banana bread is versatile and fun! You can enjoy it plain, or spread a layer of butter or cream cheese on top for added richness. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal snack or breakfast option.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup 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

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread with a spread of butter or on its own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe? Yes, you can replace the butter with a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for a dairy-free option. However, using butter will give your banana bread a richer flavor.

What can I add to enhance the flavor? Consider adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile of your banana bread.

Variations to Try

For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or pineapple to your banana bread. This will give it a unique flavor and texture that’s perfect for summer. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, to create a healthier version.

If you enjoy a bit of crunch, try incorporating oats or granola into the batter. This not only adds texture but also makes your banana bread even more satisfying. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How should I store the banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.