Banana Bread Using Applesauce Instead Of Oil
Banana bread is a classic American favorite. It's delicious, easy to make, and makes for a great snack or breakfast option. However, traditional banana bread recipes often call for oil or butter, which can add a significant amount of calories and fat to the recipe. But fear not, there is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious - using applesauce instead of oil in your banana bread recipe.
The Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce is a great substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes. It has a similar texture and moisture content, but with significantly fewer calories and fat. One cup of applesauce contains only about 100 calories and no fat, while one cup of oil contains a whopping 1927 calories and 218 grams of fat.
Applesauce is also a good source of fiber and important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. It can help regulate digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
The Recipe
Now that we know the benefits of using applesauce, let's dive into the recipe. The ingredients you'll need are:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
To make the banana bread, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, applesauce, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add in the baking soda and salt, and mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a bit of crunch.
- Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Mix in some spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a cozy fall flavor.
- Try swapping out the bananas for other mashed fruit, such as pumpkin or sweet potato.
Conclusion
Using applesauce instead of oil in your banana bread recipe is a simple and easy way to make a healthier version of this classic treat. Not only is it lower in calories and fat, but it's also a great source of fiber and important vitamins and minerals. Give it a try and see if you can even taste the difference!
