Moist and Delicious Banana Bread Recipe with Applesauce

This recipe delivers a supremely moist and flavorful banana bread, substituting applesauce for some of the oil for added health benefits and a naturally sweet taste. It's perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a delightful treat.

Why Use Applesauce in Banana Bread?

Applesauce is a fantastic addition to banana bread for several reasons:

• Added Moisture: Applesauce contributes significant moisture, resulting in a tender and moist crumb. Say goodbye to dry banana bread!
• Natural Sweetness: Applesauce provides natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive added sugar.
• Healthy Fats: While not as high in fat as oil, applesauce still contributes healthy fats and fiber.
• Enhanced Flavor: The subtle sweetness of applesauce complements the banana flavor beautifully.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a richer flavor)
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (you can reduce this to 2/3 cup if using sweeter applesauce)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

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

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the applesauce, oil, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

3. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.

4. Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.

5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread:

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
• Store properly: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations to Try:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

This applesauce banana bread recipe is a winner! Its moist texture and delightful flavor will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!