Who doesn’t love a warm slice of banana bread? It’s a classic treat that never goes out of style. But what if we told you that you could make it even better? This recipe for banana bread using applesauce and honey is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthier twist on the traditional recipe. So, let’s get ready to bake!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda and salt, and mix well.
- Add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the loaf)
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey on top. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try adding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You could also try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Storage:
This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe – they should be brown and spotty – as this will give your bread a sweeter flavor.
- If your bread is browning too quickly in the oven, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Let your bread cool completely before slicing it, as this will make it easier to cut and prevent it from falling apart.
Notes:
This recipe makes a fairly sweet banana bread, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze this banana bread. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before putting it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour if you prefer. Keep in mind that using a different type of flour may affect the texture and flavor of the bread.
Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of honey if you prefer. Keep in mind that brown sugar will make the bread sweeter and may affect the texture slightly.
Personal Thoughts:
I absolutely love this banana bread recipe! The addition of applesauce and honey makes it so moist and flavorful, and I love that it’s a healthier version of a classic treat. I also appreciate how easy it is to make – it’s the perfect recipe for when you have some overripe bananas that need to be used up. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!