Banana Bread Made With Applesauce And Oatmeal
Banana bread is a classic favorite that many people enjoy. It's sweet, moist, and has a comforting aroma that fills the house while it bakes. However, traditional banana bread recipes are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, making it less than ideal for those looking to watch their diet. That's where this recipe comes in- banana bread made with applesauce and oatmeal. It's a perfect healthy snack or dessert option that tastes just as delicious as the regular version.
Benefits of Applesauce and Oatmeal
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the health benefits of using applesauce and oatmeal in banana bread.
Applesauce is a great substitute for sugar and oil in baked goods. It's a natural sweetener that adds moisture to the bread without the extra calories from sugar and fat. Additionally, applesauce is rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthier option than traditional sweeteners.
Oatmeal is another ingredient that adds nutrition to this banana bread recipe. It's a great source of fiber, protein, and iron, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Oats have also been shown to help with weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, applesauce, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using add-ins, fold them in now.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
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Why This Recipe is a Healthier Option
This banana bread recipe is a healthier option than traditional recipes for several reasons:
- Uses applesauce in place of sugar and oil.
- Includes whole grain oats for added fiber and nutrition.
- Only uses 1/4 cup of honey for sweetness, compared to traditional recipes that use a full cup of sugar.
- Can be customized with different add-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit, for added nutrition and flavor.
Source: https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=healthy+food&pid=Images&mkt=en-US&adlt=moderate
Conclusion
Banana bread made with applesauce and oatmeal is a delicious and healthier option for those looking to enjoy this classic treat. The sweetness and moisture from the applesauce, along with the added nutrition from the oats, make this recipe a perfect snack or dessert. Plus, it's customizable with different add-ins to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free slice of banana bread!