Name: Applesauce Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or any neutral oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour); 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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Moist, naturally sweetened, and wonderfully fluffy, this Applesauce Banana Bread brings a healthier spin to a classic comfort bake. With no eggs or butter, and the added goodness of applesauce and banana, I find it makes the perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert. It’s simple to make, dairy-free, and can be easily customized with nuts or chocolate chips.

Applesauce Banana Bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup maple syrup or honey

¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or any neutral oil)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, I mix the mashed bananas, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Then, I fold in any optional ingredients like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

I pour the batter into the loaf pan, smoothing the top before baking for 45–55 minutes.

I check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean from the center, it's ready.

I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories per slice: 180 kcal

Variations

I like switching things up by using whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier taste and more fiber. Adding chocolate chips gives it more of a dessert feel, while chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch. For extra flavor, sometimes I sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the bread stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy a slice, I reheat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast it lightly.

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

I like using very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash easily, which adds both moisture and flavor to the bread.

Can I make this banana bread vegan?

Yes, I can! By using maple syrup instead of honey, the bread is completely vegan-friendly.

Can I use almond flour or another gluten-free option?

This recipe works best with all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour, but I’ve had some success with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Almond flour alone won’t provide the same structure.

How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?

I make sure not to overmix the batter and avoid opening the oven door while baking. Also, I check that my baking soda and powder are fresh.

What’s the best way to freeze banana bread?

I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When I want a slice, I just thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Banana Bread is a favorite in my kitchen—it's moist, fluffy, and just sweet enough without being overly indulgent. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a healthier way to enjoy a classic loaf. Whether I’m meal-prepping breakfasts or just craving something cozy, this recipe never disappoints.

Recipe:

Applesauce Banana Bread

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Moist, fluffy, and naturally sweetened, this Applesauce Banana Bread is a healthier, egg-free twist on the classic. Made with ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and no butter, it's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in optional ingredients like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.