Banana Bread With Applesauce And Chocolate Chips
There's something about banana bread that just hits the spot. The sweet, comforting aroma that fills the house as it bakes, the moist texture, the fact that it's a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. It's no wonder that banana bread has become a staple in many households.
But what if you could take that classic recipe and give it a delicious twist? That's where banana bread with applesauce and chocolate chips comes in. This recipe adds a new dimension of flavor to the traditional banana bread, with the sweetness of applesauce and the richness of chocolate chips. Read on to learn how to make this delectable treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas and unsweetened applesauce until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using).
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Why Applesauce?
You might be wondering why this recipe calls for applesauce. There are a few reasons:
- Applesauce adds moisture to the bread without adding fat, making for a healthier treat.
- It also adds natural sweetness, which means you can cut back on the amount of sugar you use.
- Finally, applesauce is a great way to use up any leftover apples you might have lying around.
Why Chocolate Chips?
And why not chocolate chips? Adding chocolate to banana bread is a classic move, and for good reason. Not only do the chocolate chips add a lovely richness to the bread, but they also provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bananas and applesauce.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter they are.
- Be sure to grease your loaf pan well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- If you don't have unsweetened applesauce, you can use sweetened applesauce instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
- Don't overmix the batter or your bread will be tough. Mix until just combined.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, a delicious twist on classic banana bread that's sure to become a new favorite. With the added sweetness of applesauce and the richness of chocolate chips, this recipe takes banana bread to the next level. Give it a try and enjoy this scrumptious treat!