Banana bread applesauce has been my go-to for a quick, satisfying treat that feels both comforting and a little bit healthier. I remember my mom making banana bread every time we had overripe bananas, and she’d always sneak in a little applesauce for extra moisture. The smell of warm cinnamon and sweet banana filling the kitchen is pure nostalgia for me! This easy banana bread applesauce recipe takes that classic comfort and makes it even better, creating a wonderfully moist loaf without all the added fat. It’s perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Applesauce
This banana bread applesauce recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with its:
- Incredible flavor: Perfectly sweet and moist with that classic banana bread taste.
- Speedy prep: You can whip up the batter in just 15 minutes.
- Healthier profile: Using applesauce cuts down on fat, making it a lighter choice.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Family-approved results: Even picky eaters adore this delicious treat.
- Amazing texture: The secret to this moist banana bread applesauce is the applesauce itself!
- Versatility: It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Ingredients for Banana Bread with Applesauce
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and moist banana bread applesauce loaf. Using unsweetened applesauce helps keep the bread tender and reduces the need for extra fat, making this a fantastic healthier option.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – for lift and leavening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – pairs beautifully with cinnamon and banana
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – provides richness and helps create a tender crumb
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness; you can adjust slightly or use a sugar substitute for a sugar-free banana bread applesauce.
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – boosts the overall flavor profile
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed – the star of the show! The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – this is our secret weapon for an incredibly moist banana bread applesauce.
- 1/4 cup milk – adds a little extra moisture and helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Applesauce
Get ready to bake the most wonderfully moist banana bread you’ve ever had! This applesauce banana bread recipe is straightforward and yields fantastic results every time.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan, grease it well, and then lightly flour it. This prep ensures your loaf won’t stick.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Whisking them now ensures even distribution later.
- Step 3: Now for the wet ingredients! In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a great base for our batter.
- Step 4: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Mash your 3 ripe bananas until they’re mostly smooth with just a few small chunks. Stir these mashed bananas into the wet ingredients along with the 1/2 cup uns unsweetened applesauce. This is where all that amazing moisture comes from in our banana bread with applesauce.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate adding the dry mixture with the 1/4 cup milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until *just* combined. It’s super important not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Step 7: Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Step 9: Let this easy banana bread applesauce loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
Pro Tips for the Best Moist Banana Bread Applesauce
Want to guarantee an amazing loaf every single time? I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference for this banana bread applesauce recipe.
- Always use very ripe bananas – the spottier, the better! They offer the most natural sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly fine and actually help keep the bread tender.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This allows the crumb to set, preventing a gummy texture.
- Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
What’s the secret to perfect banana bread applesauce?
The real magic for this moist banana bread applesauce lies in the combination of very ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce. They work together to keep the bread incredibly tender and flavorful without relying on excess fat. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
Can I make banana bread with applesauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter for your applesauce banana bread up to 24 hours in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with applesauce banana bread?
The biggest pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to a dense loaf. Also, using underripe bananas will result in a less flavorful and less moist bread. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step; patience is key for the perfect texture.
Best Ways to Serve Banana Bread with Applesauce
This versatile banana bread applesauce is wonderful on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit! A simple smear of butter or cream cheese takes it to the next level. For a heartier breakfast, try serving a warm slice alongside a bowl of yogurt and fresh berries. It also makes a fantastic base for a quick dessert; a drizzle of honey or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, consider the applesauce banana muffins variation, which is perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Nutrition Facts for Healthy Banana Bread Applesauce
This healthy banana bread applesauce is a delicious treat with surprisingly good nutritional stats per slice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while being mindful of your intake.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Banana Bread Applesauce
Keeping your delicious banana bread applesauce fresh is super simple! Once it’s completely cooled on the wire rack, you’ll want to store it properly. For everyday enjoyment, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays perfectly moist at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you won’t get to it that quickly, don’t worry! This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice from the fridge or freezer, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per slice, or warm it in a toaster oven for a slightly crispier edge. This makes enjoying your applesauce banana bread a treat anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Banana Bread
Can I use a banana bread substitute for applesauce?
While applesauce is fantastic for moistness, you can use other purees in a pinch. Mashed pears or even pumpkin puree can work, though they might slightly alter the flavor. For a more direct substitute, consider using an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar tender crumb in your applesauce banana bread.
What is applesauce banana bread?
Applesauce banana bread is simply banana bread where unsweetened applesauce is used to replace some or all of the oil or butter. This substitution helps create an incredibly moist texture and can make the bread a lower-fat option. It’s a popular way to boost moisture and add a subtle sweetness to the classic treat.
Why use applesauce in banana bread?
You’ll want to use applesauce in banana bread primarily for moisture! It keeps the bread incredibly tender and soft. It also acts as a natural sweetener and can help reduce the overall fat content, making it a healthier choice. It’s a simple ingredient swap that makes a big difference in the final texture and appeal of your banana bread with applesauce.
Can I make vegan banana bread applesauce?
Absolutely! To make a delicious vegan banana bread applesauce, you’ll need to make a couple of simple swaps. Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. The applesauce and mashed bananas already make it moist, so these vegan substitutions work beautifully.
Variations of Banana Bread Applesauce Recipe
This banana bread applesauce recipe is a fantastic base, and I love experimenting with it! Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread Applesauce: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You might find you need a tiny bit more moisture, so don’t be afraid to add an extra tablespoon of milk if the batter seems too thick.
- Low-Fat Banana Bread Applesauce Muffins: Instead of a loaf, pour the batter into muffin tins lined with paper liners. This version is perfect for portion control and quick grab-and-go breakfasts. Baking time will be shorter, usually around 20-25 minutes.
- Chocolate Chip or Nutty Banana Bread Applesauce Cake: Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed!) or your favorite chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor boost to your applesauce banana bread.
- Sugar-Free Banana Bread Applesauce: For a healthier twist, replace the granulated sugar with your preferred sugar substitute. Ensure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup like sugar for the best results in this healthy banana bread applesauce.

Amazing Banana Bread Applesauce: 15-Minute Moist Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for banana bread with applesauce creates a moist and delicious loaf. Applesauce replaces some of the fat, making this a healthier option for your breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mash the ripe bananas and stir them into the wet ingredients along with the unsweetened applesauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a sugar-free banana bread applesauce, you can use a sugar substitute.
- This banana bread with applesauce can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Variations include adding nuts or chocolate chips to your applesauce banana bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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