Banana Bread with Applesauce is an easy recipe to enjoy for a great dessert or snack. It’s so simple with mostly pantry staples and turns out delicious.
This simple recipe is so moist and flavor packed. It’s one of my favorite quick bread recipes that anyone can make. My kids love bananas and I have been making Banana Bread Brownies and Air Fryer Banana Bread for years.
We love banana flavor and also make some of the Best Banana Dessert Recipes such as Crazy Banana Cake and Chocolate Banana Bread.
What's in this post: Banana Bread with Applesauce
Why We Love This Recipe
- The best banana bread recipe. It is so easy but turns out wonderful.
- Great way to use ripe bananas. Don’t toss those too ripe bananas and make this recipe.
- Inexpensive. While this recipe is budget friendly, the results are so tasty.
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas. This is the perfect time to use overly ripe bananas. They will make the bread moist and sweet.
- Applesauce. No one will miss the oil, and the bread will be healthier.
- Sour Cream. The fat content in sour cream adds so much richness to the bread.
- Large Eggs. Sit them out about 30 minutes prior to using them so they will be room temperature.
- Brown Sugar. Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe is easy to make if you don’t want to use store bought.
- All Purpose Flour. Always spoon the flour into the cup and don’t scoop it. The measurements will be more accurate.
You can get the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the post.
Variations and Additions
- Wheat Flour. Substitute ½ of the flour for whole wheat flour in the recipe.
- Chocolate Chips. Add ½ cup to 1 cup chocolate chips into the batter.
- Nuts. You can add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Banana Muffins. Make this recipe as muffins instead of bread for a quick breakfast idea. Adjust the baking time for muffins.
- Double the recipe. This recipe is so easy to double for gift giving.
- Gluten-free flour. Swap the regular flour for gluten free.
- Peanut Butter. Swirl peanut butter into the batter.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. While the oven is preheating, prepare the loaf pan with cooking spray. Then mash the bananas in a large bowl.
Step 2. Next, stir in the applesauce, sour cream, eggs and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas. Mix together until everything is combined.
Step 3. Next, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Once combined, add the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir until just combined and do not over mix the batter.
Step 4. Carefully pour the batter into the loaf pan. I like to tap the pan on the countertop to release any air bubbles in the mixture.
Step 5. Let the bread cook for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 6. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, slice and enjoy. I like to serve with butter and honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and place the loaf or slices in a freezer bag or container.
The riper the banana is the better. They will taste sweeter and make the bread even better.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready to come out of the oven.
Yes, the bread freezes really well. Allow to cool and wrap in plastic wrap. Place inside a freezer container or bag.
You can freeze the slices or the entire loaf. Allow to thaw in the fridge or warm in the microwave.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir together the wet ingredients and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Be careful that you do not overbake the bread. It will be dry and the texture not as desirable.
- Wait to store banana bread until cool. Do not wrap the bread until completely cool.
More Easy Bread Recipes
It’s your turn to make this applesauce banana bread recipe. Leave a star recipe rating once you do.
Banana Bread with Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 Ripe Bananas
- 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X5 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Peel the bananas and mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the applesauce, sour cream, eggs and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
- Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until combined.
- Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir until just combined with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to over mix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to release any air bubbles in the mixture.
- Cook for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove the bread from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
