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 unsweetened 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I absolutely adore making banana bread, and my favorite version includes applesauce for a moist and flavorful twist. The combination of ripe bananas and applesauce creates a delightful sweetness that makes each slice incredibly soft. It's the perfect snack or breakfast option to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Plus, it's a great way to use up overripe bananas! In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious bread baking in your oven.

Created by

Winifred Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:25:34.930Z

When I first tried adding applesauce to banana bread, I was amazed by how it changed the texture and flavor. It made the bread even more sumptuous and added a subtle hint of apple that beautifully complemented the banana. I recommend using unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar levels without sacrificing moisture. This little tweak has become a game-changer in my baking routine.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Sometimes I like to throw in nuts or chocolate chips to elevate the flavor even more. Each addition brings a unique twist to the classic banana bread, making it fun to experiment while ensuring the base remains perfectly moist thanks to that applesauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful bread that’s easy to make
Perfect balance of banana and apple flavors
Great use for overripe bananas!
Can be customized with your favorite mix-ins

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving a moist texture in this banana bread lies in the combination of ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce. Ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the bread's soft crumb. The applesauce serves as a wonderful fat substitute, allowing you to reduce the amount of butter while still ensuring delicious moisture. If you're out of applesauce, you can easily substitute it with yogurt or an equal amount of mashed pears for a similar texture and flavor.

Sugar is crucial, not just for sweetness but also for moisture retention. Using granulated sugar provides a nice balance with the other flavors, but if you prefer a milder sweetness, you can replace half the granulated sugar with brown sugar. This will also add a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. Don’t forget that incorporating spices like cinnamon not only elevates the flavor but also adds a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as the bread bakes.

Baking Tips for Perfect Texture

When mixing your batter, take care not to overwork the flour. This can lead to a tougher bread. To achieve the best results, mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Additionally, ensure your bananas are very ripe—blackened skins are ideal—as this maximizes their sweetness and flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up ripening by placing bananas in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

While baking, keep an eye on the bread during the last 15 minutes. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, consider tenting it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when it’s done. Allowing it to cool in the pan for initially 10 minutes is essential for stabilizing the loaf, making it easier to transfer without crumbling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious banana bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your banana bread:

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and applesauce. Stir in melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, followed by the ground cinnamon. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for best results.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. Slicing the bananas evenly will help with an even texture throughout the bread.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftover banana bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for a slightly longer shelf life, but this may dry it out if not wrapped tightly. For long-term storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a quick treat ready whenever you need it.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen banana bread, simply remove the desired slices and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. But if you're in a hurry, you can also microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. This will help to restore some of that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this banana bread is delightful on its own, consider adding ingredients like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to customize it to your liking. These add-ins not only enhance the flavor but also add a satisfying texture contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in some peanut butter or Nutella before baking for a rich and decadent twist.

For a delicious serving idea, toast a slice and top it with a smear of butter or cream cheese; the warmth enhances the flavor beautifully. Pairing it with a fresh fruit salad on the side can make for a perfectly balanced breakfast or snack. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking to create a sweet, sparkly crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them out and mash them as usual.

→ How can I store the banana bread?

Keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute applesauce with something else?

You can try using yogurt or additional mashed bananas if you're looking for alternatives.

→ What if I don’t have baking soda?

You can use baking powder, but use about 3 teaspoons instead of 1 teaspoon of baking soda.