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Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe

Banana Bread with Applesauce is a moist, tender quick bread made with ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce. The bananas provide natural sweetness and familiar banana flavor, while the applesauce adds moisture without relying entirely on butter or oil. A little cinnamon and vanilla complement the fruit, giving each slice a warm, balanced flavor.
This easy banana bread recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and does not require a mixer or yeast. The batter comes together in one bowl, making it a practical choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple homemade dessert. Enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • 9 × 5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium ripe bananas mashed
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter cooled
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper. Prepare the pan before mixing the batter so it is ready to use.
  • Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps if you prefer some banana texture. Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and help keep the bread moist.
  • Add the applesauce, vegetable oil or melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until the mixture is evenly combined. If using melted butter, allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Breaking up any lumps helps distribute the baking soda evenly, allowing the loaf to rise consistently during baking.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until no large streaks of flour remain. Stir in the optional walnuts or chocolate chips, if using. Avoid overmixing, as too much stirring can make the finished bread dense.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula so the bread bakes uniformly. If desired, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts over the surface for extra texture.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil and continue baking until the center is cooked through.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for 10–15 minutes. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool further before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes it easier to cut neat slices without crumbling.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas: Bananas with plenty of brown spots provide the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Choose unsweetened applesauce: It allows you to control the sugar level and keeps the banana flavor prominent.
  • Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down. Too much flour can make the loaf dry.
  • Avoid overmixing: Fold the batter only until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
  • Check the center: Loaf pans and ovens vary, so begin checking around the 50-minute mark. The center should be set, not wet.