Low Fat Low Sugar Banana Bread With Applesauce
Banana bread is a classic treat that many people love. However, traditional banana bread recipes can be high in fat and sugar content. Fortunately, you can still enjoy this delicious sweet bread with a healthy twist. In this article, we will show you how to make low-fat and low-sugar banana bread with applesauce. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a healthier version of banana bread that you can enjoy without worrying about your waistline.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large bowl, mix together mashed bananas, applesauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients. Here are some variations you can try:
- Chocolate chips - stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Nuts - add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Dried fruit - mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture.
- Coconut - add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Benefits of Low-fat Low-sugar Banana Bread With Applesauce
As mentioned earlier, traditional banana bread recipes can be high in fat and sugar content. By making this low-fat and low-sugar version with applesauce, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of banana bread without the guilt. Here are some benefits of this healthier version:
- Less fat - the applesauce replaces some of the oil or butter, reducing the amount of fat in the recipe.
- Less sugar - the brown sugar is reduced, and the natural sweetness of the bananas and applesauce provides enough sweetness.
- More fiber - the use of whole wheat flour or adding flaxseed will increase the fiber content of the bread.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals - bananas are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, while applesauce is rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Conclusion
Low Fat Low Sugar Banana Bread With Applesauce is a great compromise between taste and health. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients. By reducing the amount of fat and sugar while increasing fiber and nutrients, you can indulge in this delicious treat without feeling guilty. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a slice of banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee?