Moist Applesauce Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Moist Applesauce Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

by Jannet Lisa

8 de September de 2025

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Applesauce banana bread has been my go-to comfort bake for years, a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas on my counter. I remember the first time I tried this variation; the aroma of warm spices and sweet banana filled my kitchen, creating an instant cozy vibe. It’s surprisingly simple, and knowing how to make applesauce banana bread has saved me countless trips to the bakery. This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist crumb and a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for any time of day. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Banana Bread

I know you’re going to adore this simple bake. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little slice of happiness!

Incredibly moist and tender crumb thanks to the applesauce.
So quick to whip up – you can have a loaf ready in about 15 minutes of prep.
A fantastic healthy applesauce banana bread option, cutting down on fat without sacrificing flavor.
Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can make this delicious treat without breaking the bank.
It’s wonderfully family-friendly, perfect for picky eaters and busy mornings.
This healthy applesauce banana bread is a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about.
The aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like home.

Applesauce Banana Bread Ingredients

Gathering your applesauce banana bread ingredients is the first exciting step to baking this delightful loaf. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender bread
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps it rise beautifully
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds that warm, comforting spice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – a little extra warmth and depth
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – this is our secret to a moist and healthier bake!
1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
1/4 cup packed brown sugar – adds a lovely caramel note and moisture
2 large eggs – at room temperature, they incorporate better
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
3 ripe bananas, mashed – the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana applesauce bread will be!
1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) – just a little extra liquid to bring it all together

Having all these applesauce banana bread ingredients ready makes the process so smooth!

How to Make Applesauce Banana Bread

Follow these simple applesauce banana bread instructions to create a loaf that’s both delicious and satisfying. You’ll love how easy this banana bread with applesauce comes together!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prep ensures your beautiful applesauce banana bread won’t stick.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Give them a good mix so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Mix the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Now, gently stir the mashed ripe bananas and the milk (or your dairy-free alternative) into the wet ingredient mixture. The batter will start to look wonderfully fragrant.
Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix them together with a spatula or wooden spoon until they are just combined. It’s really important not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. This is your applesauce banana bread batter, ready for the pan!
Step 6: Carefully pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Bake your amazing applesauce banana bread for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
Step 8: Once baked, let the applesauce banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

These applesauce banana bread instructions are designed for a perfect bake every time!

Pro Tips for the Best Applesauce Banana Bread

Achieving that perfect loaf of applesauce banana bread is all about a few key details. Follow these tips for a truly delightful bake every time!

Use very ripe bananas – the spottier and browner, the better! They’ll give your banana applesauce bread the most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
Don’t undermix the batter. While you don’t want to overmix, ensure there are no dry pockets of flour remaining. A few small lumps are fine.
Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before turning it out. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.
For an extra special touch, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to your applesauce banana bread batter.

What’s the secret to perfect applesauce banana bread?

The magic lies in using very ripe bananas and the unsweetened applesauce, which replaces much of the oil or butter. This combination guarantees a wonderfully moist applesauce banana bread with incredible flavor and a tender crumb. For more baking insights, check out these bread secrets.

Can I make applesauce banana bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it into the pan. The baked loaf also keeps well for a few days.

How do I avoid common mistakes with applesauce banana bread?

A common pitfall is overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture. Also, make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Finally, don’t slice it while it’s too hot, or it might crumble.

Best Ways to Serve Applesauce Banana Bread

This versatile applesauce banana bread is fantastic served in so many ways! For a delightful breakfast or brunch, I love a thick slice toasted and topped with a smear of butter or cream cheese. It’s also a wonderful treat on its own, showcasing the natural sweetness from the bananas and applesauce. If you’re looking for an applesauce dessert banana bread option, try warming a slice and serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Applesauce Banana Bread

When you’re enjoying a slice of this delicious banana applesauce bread, it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling your body with. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread, making it a great choice for breakfast or a snack.

Calories: 200
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your applesauce banana bread.

Moist Applesauce Banana Bread Recipe - Applesauce Banana Bread - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Applesauce Banana Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade applesauce banana bread fresh and delicious. Once your lovely loaf has completely cooled on a wire rack – this is super important to prevent sogginess – you’ll want to wrap it tightly. For short-term storage at room temperature, I usually wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy your moist applesauce banana bread for about 3 to 4 days. Proper banana applesauce bread storage ensures it stays tasty!

If you’ve baked a loaf (or two!) and can’t possibly finish it within a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It will stay perfectly good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and warm it gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or toast it in a toaster oven until warmed through. You can also thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Banana Bread

Is this a healthy applesauce banana bread?

Yes, this recipe is considered a healthier option because it uses unsweetened applesauce to replace a significant portion of the oil or butter typically found in traditional banana bread. This reduces the overall fat content while keeping the bread incredibly moist and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of flour for this easy applesauce banana bread?

You certainly can! For a gluten-free version, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum works well. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. This makes it adaptable for various dietary needs.

What if my bananas aren’t very ripe?

While very ripe bananas are best for sweetness and moisture, you can still use slightly less ripe bananas. To help them along, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two, or even bake them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins are dark brown. This process intensifies their sweetness and makes them easier to mash for your applesauce banana bread.

How do I ensure my applesauce banana bread is moist and not dry?

The key to a moist applesauce banana bread is using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tougher, drier loaf. Also, be careful not to overbake it; check for doneness with a toothpick, and remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.

Applesauce Banana Bread Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to customize your applesauce banana bread! I love experimenting with different additions to make it even more special. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Gluten-Free Applesauce Banana Bread: For a delicious gluten-free applesauce banana bread, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to add a tablespoon or two more liquid, but the texture remains wonderfully moist.
Vegan Applesauce Banana Bread: Craving a vegan applesauce banana bread? It’s super easy! Replace the eggs with a flax egg (mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes) and use your favorite dairy-free milk, like almond or oat milk.
Flavor Boosts: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before it goes into the oven also adds a lovely touch.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: This batter is also perfect for making mini loaves or muffins! Adjust the baking time accordingly – muffins usually take about 20-25 minutes.