Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 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; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen

I'm excited to share my favorite Banana Bread with Applesauce recipe! Over the years, I've experimented with various ingredients to perfect a moist and flavorful loaf. The addition of applesauce not only enhances the sweetness but also keeps the bread tender and light. Whether you have overripe bananas or simply crave a delicious treat, this recipe is guaranteed to bring comfort to your kitchen. It's easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Created by

Elara Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:41:34.802Z

When I first tried adding applesauce to my banana bread, I was initially skeptical. However, the moistness and light texture it provided completely changed my perspective! I also noticed that it allowed me to cut back on oil without sacrificing flavor. This cake-like bread became a staple in my home; you'd be surprised how quickly it disappears!

One important tip I've learned is to make sure your bananas are truly ripe; the darker, the better. This ensures a natural sweetness and rich flavor, making every slice a delight. Plus, feel free to throw in some nuts or chocolate chips if you'd like to add extra crunch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously moist texture enhanced by applesauce
Perfect balance of sweetness from ripe bananas
Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Mastering the Banana Consistency

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the ideal sweetness and texture in your banana bread. Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots, as this indicates they are extra sweet and will contribute a rich flavor to your bread. If you find yourself with overripe bananas, you can even freeze them; just thaw them before mixing into the batter.

For the best results, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until there are no large chunks left. This will ensure a smooth batter and help create that delightful moist texture. If you prefer an even smoother consistency, you can blend the bananas briefly in a blender.

The Role of Applesauce

In this recipe, unsweetened applesauce serves a dual purpose. It imparts natural sweetness, which balances the flavor while reducing the need for added sugar. Moreover, it acts as a fat substitute when combined with melted butter, creating a lighter loaf without sacrificing moisture. If you're looking to cut back on fat, substituting half of the butter with applesauce is a quick and effective swap.

Keep in mind that not all applesauces are created equal. For a more flavorful loaf, choose an applesauce with a hint of spice or cinnamon. This adds an extra layer of warmth to the banana bread, enhancing the overall comfort it brings to your kitchen.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bake

When baking your banana bread, ensure you use a light-colored loaf pan for even cooking. Dark pans can cause the edges to brown too quickly while leaving the center undercooked. Checking for doneness is simple: insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If you notice the top is browning too fast while baking, tent it with aluminum foil after the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning. This will allow the bread to continue cooking through without burning the top. Letting your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps shape the loaf but avoid leaving it too long, as it may become soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients for Banana Bread

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

Mix these ingredients together to create a delightful banana bread.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect loaf:

Preheat and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract, sugar, and beaten egg.

Add Flour

Gently fold in the flour and optional ground cinnamon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your banana bread fluffy.

Bake

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Make sure to let it cool to enhance the flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a rich finish. For added flavor, try sprinkling a few toasted nuts or chocolate chips into the batter prior to baking for a delightful crunch and extra sweetness. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top adds a touch of indulgent goodness as well.

Serve the banana bread slightly warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack. It can also be paired with fresh fruit like strawberries or slices of apple for a balanced meal. If you’re entertaining, consider making mini loaves to serve as an appetizer at brunch gatherings.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its lifespan, freezing is a great option. Just slice the bread and wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, take out a slice and leave it to thaw at room temperature. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up—about 15-30 seconds should do the trick, resulting in a soft, comforting treat ready to be savored.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread turns out too dense, it's likely due to overmixing the batter. Remember to fold in the flour gently until just combined to retain that fluffy texture. Moreover, be cautious with baking times. Every oven varies slightly, so keep an eye on the bread toward the end of baking to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

If the center of your banana bread sinks after baking, this may indicate a few potential issues such as too much liquid or not enough flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Moreover, ensuring your oven is preheated properly before baking can help prevent sinking as well.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great! Simply thaw them and mash them before using.

→ How can I store the banana bread?

Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can last at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and the butter with a plant-based alternative.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.