banana bread recipe with applesauce – you know, I used to think banana bread was basically just an excuse to eat cake for breakfast. (I still sort of believe that.) But the second you switch out some oil with applesauce, suddenly everyone calls it “healthier.” Cracks me up every time. Anyway, if you’re hunting for a quick treat that’s got that homemade cozy vibe but without tons of butter, banana bread recipe with applesauce is the ticket. Trying to impress your in-laws, use up those brown bananas, or just make snacks for hungry kids? This one covers all the bases. If you want other twists, check this take on the ultimate moist banana bread recipe you need to try or you know, just the classic banana banana bread recipe never fails either. Anyway, let’s get to the good stuff. 
How to Make Applesauce Banana Bread
Honestly, this is one of those “how did it come out so good when I barely tried?” recipes. Seriously, I’ve made this banana bread recipe with applesauce in kitchens the size of a broom closet, and even my scatterbrained friend who once baked a spoon into her cake can pull it off.
First thing: mash your bananas (the browner, the better). They should be ugly – trust me, it’s not for Instagram. Then you do the whole mix wet stuff, add dry stuff, stir until you’re tired or until mostly smooth. Don’t overthink it. Applesauce steps in where oil usually is, so it stays super moist but not greasy. Pop it in the oven, walk away, watch an episode of something dumb, and by the time you remember, your whole place will smell ridiculous. I always test with a toothpick—should come out with a crumb, not drenched.
I had a neighbor once who said, “If I had known banana bread was this easy, I would not have spent my life buying the $8 coffee shop slice.” Same, Janice.
Ingredients for Applesauce Banana Bread
You don’t need anything fancy (I swear, if you have to go to three stores, you’re doing it wrong).
- 3 super ripe bananas – the browner, the better
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup sugar (white or brown, your call)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil—use what you have)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (all-purpose works too if that’s all you’ve got)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pinch of cinnamon (I never measure, just shake some in)
Sometimes I throw in a handful of nuts or chocolate chips if I’m feeling wild. If you’re into crazier add-ins, check out these banana bread brownies for inspo.
Variations of Banana Bread
Oh man, there are so many ways to jazz up this banana bread recipe with applesauce. Sometimes I get bored and add a couple handfuls of toasted pecans or walnuts. My cousin swears by a dark chocolate swirl. If you want to sneak in some fiber, toss in a spoonful of ground flaxseed or even sub in some oat flour for part of the regular stuff.
I’ve even made this in muffin tins for grab-and-go breakfasts. (Tip: good luck not eating them all at once though.) Want to turn it into dessert? Toast a thick slice and add a scoop of ice cream. That’s legal, I checked. If you’re after something cheesy, this baked brie bread bowl with prosciutto and honey is worth a try. Or if cake calls your name, hit up this banana cake recipe for a switch up.
“I’ve changed up this banana bread recipe with applesauce so many times—sometimes with dried fruit, sometimes with coconut—I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a complaint. Including from my pickiest kid!” —Michelle H.
How to Store Banana Bread
Okay, so you actually want this to last longer than one afternoon? Respect. Wrap your banana bread recipe with applesauce in foil or plastic wrap after it cools. Stick it in an airtight container if you’ve got one (old Tupperware, anyone?) and it’ll last on the counter for about 3 days. Fridge stretches that to a week, maybe more, but it can go weirdly dense. I like to just slice off what I need, then pop it in the toaster. Oh, and you can freeze it too. Wrap slices individually—it’s like finding treasure weeks later.
If you want super detailed freezer tips or other bread ideas, check out this easy bread machine recipes italian herb and cheese bread.
How to Ripen Bananas Quicker
Sometimes, you NEED banana bread recipe with applesauce right now and your bananas are stubbornly green. I’ve been there too many times.
- Toss bananas in a brown paper bag and leave them on the counter – it speeds up ripening.
- If you’re desperate, put them (peels on) in the oven at 300°F for like 20 minutes.
- Slicing and microwaving works in a pinch, but watch out—they get hot and squishy fast.
- Or just head over to your neighbor’s and beg for a spotty banana. (Guilty as charged.)
Common Questions
Q: Can I swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup?
A: Absolutely. Just use a little less since they can be sweeter (and a bit more liquidy).
Q: Is this banana bread recipe with applesauce actually healthier?
A: Compared to regular banana bread, yeah. You’re cutting down the fat and boosting moisture without oil.
Q: Can I make it gluten free?
A: Sure thing. Try a one-to-one gluten free flour blend—texture will be a little different, but still tasty.
Q: Why did my banana bread turn out dry?
A: Usually that’s from baking a tad long or not enough banana/applesauce. Check your oven temp, too.
Q: Do I have to use eggs?
A: Nope. Substitute with a flax egg or extra applesauce if you want it eggless.
Ready To Bake Like a Pro (Or at Least Pretend You Are)
So, here’s the gist: banana bread recipe with applesauce is probably the fastest way to win at breakfast, use up sketchy bananas, and feel mildly virtuous about your baking skills. Plus, it’s flexible—make it sweet, make it nutty, toss in chocolate, or go classic, whatever mood hits. Trust me, your house will smell five-star restaurant fabulous. For more healthy inspiration, you can peek at Healthy Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe, get ideas from this dairy free, oil free applesauce banana bread, or compare with Skinnytaste’s take on banana bread. Go bake it up, and yeah, save me a slice if you can.
Applesauce Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 super ripe bananas The browner, the better
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup sugar White or brown, your choice
- ¼ cup melted butter Can substitute with coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour All-purpose works too
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pinch cinnamon Adjust based on preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large bowl.
- Incorporate the applesauce, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined but slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
- If desired, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
Baking
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
