Banana Bread Made With Almond Flour And Applesauce
Banana bread is a classic baked good that many people enjoy. It's moist, delicious, and has just the right amount of sweetness. However, for those who are looking to cut back on carbs or avoid gluten, traditional banana bread made with wheat flour is not an option. That is where almond flour comes in. Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour that is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This article will teach you how to make delicious banana bread using almond flour and applesauce.
Ingredients
To make this banana bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for toppings
Note: Make sure your bananas are ripe as they provide the natural sweetness for the bread.
Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making banana bread with almond flour:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well-combined.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well-combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well-combined.
- Add in any optional toppings (chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit) and mix until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Variations
There are many variations you can make to this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.
- Add in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Use coconut flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of almond flour if you prefer.
- Top the bread with a cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Why Use Almond Flour?
Almond flour is a great alternative to wheat flour for several reasons:
- It's gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- It's low-carb, making it a good option for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- It's high in protein and healthy fats, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
- It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that works well in baked goods.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread
Here are some tips to help you make the best banana bread:
- Use ripe bananas. They should be yellow with brown spots on them.
- Don't overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to avoid a tough, dry bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This will help it hold together better.
- Store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
Banana bread made with almond flour and applesauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional banana bread. It's gluten-free, low-carb, and full of protein and healthy fats. Plus, it's easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes. Give it a try and see how delicious healthy baking can be!
