Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This banana bread recipe, enhanced with the wholesome goodness of applesauce, is the perfect answer. It's incredibly moist, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It's a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas or a delightful addition to your weekend brunch. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, resulting in a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until thoroughly combined. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
Step 5: Add Bananas & Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and optional nuts. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and healthy treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as this simple homemade banana bread bakes to perfection. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes and easy recipes for delicious dishes. Make it today and experience the joy of homemade baking!