If you’re craving a cozy baked treat that feels comforting but not heavy, this irresistible banana bread with applesauce is exactly what you need. Made with very ripe bananas, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened applesauce, this healthier banana bread skips refined sugar and butter while staying incredibly moist and flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into breakfast, snack time, or a relaxed afternoon with coffee.
This loaf comes together in one bowl using simple pantry staples, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute baking. With whole wheat flour for heartiness and a hint of cinnamon for warmth, it’s a wholesome twist on a classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread With Applesauce
This recipe delivers everything you love about traditional banana bread — without the heaviness. Applesauce replaces butter, keeping the crumb tender and soft while reducing added fat. Maple syrup and ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, so there’s no need for refined sugar.
It’s:
- Naturally sweet and lightly spiced
- Moist without being dense
- Made in one bowl with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2¼ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Using very ripe, spotted bananas is key — they add moisture, sweetness, and classic banana flavor without needing extra sugar.
How to Make Banana Bread With Applesauce (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a standard loaf pan. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon directly over the wet mixture. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Step 3: Fold in the Flour
Add the whole wheat flour and fold it in just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing — this helps keep the bread soft and tender.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Lighter texture: Use white whole wheat flour or replace half the flour with all-purpose flour
- Egg-free option: Substitute flax eggs for a plant-based version
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more warmth
- Even sweeter: Drizzle with a touch of warm maple syrup before serving
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this banana bread warm with a little nut butter, cream cheese, or fresh fruit. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and makes an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months
Irresistible Banana Bread With Applesauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This healthy banana bread with applesauce is moist, naturally sweet, and cozy with cinnamon. It uses very ripe bananas, maple syrup, and whole wheat flour for a tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
5 very ripe bananas (spotted), mashed
2 eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
3. Whisk in eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, avocado oil, and vanilla until combined.
4. Sprinkle in baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir to evenly mix.
5. Add whole wheat flour and fold just until no dry streaks remain (do not overmix).
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
8. Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully before slicing.
Notes
Use the ripest bananas you have for the best sweetness and flavor.
Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep the loaf tender.
Substitutions: swap avocado oil with melted coconut oil or light olive oil; use white whole wheat or half all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb.
Storage: keep covered at room temp up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze slices up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
(Values are approximate.)
Final Thoughts
This banana bread with applesauce proves that healthier baking can still feel indulgent. Moist, gently sweet, and incredibly easy to make, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll reach for whenever bananas start to over-ripen on the counter. One slice is never enough — and that’s a very good thing.