Banana Bread With Unsweetened Applesauce And Honey
Banana bread is a staple in many households. It's easy to make, delicious, and a great way to use up overripe bananas. However, traditional banana bread recipes can be high in sugar and fat. That's where this recipe comes in. By using unsweetened applesauce and honey as a sweetener, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic treat.
The Benefits of Unsweetened Applesauce and Honey
Unsweetened applesauce is a great ingredient to use in baking. It can replace some or all of the oil or butter in a recipe, reducing the fat content. It's also a great way to add natural sweetness without adding sugar. Applesauce is rich in fiber and vitamin C, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners.
Honey is another natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which means it won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Honey also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your diet.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add the baking soda, flour, and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize to your liking. Here are some of our favorite variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter before baking.
- Cinnamon Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter before baking.
Conclusion
This banana bread recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic treat in a healthier way. By using unsweetened applesauce and honey as sweeteners, you can reduce the sugar and fat content of traditional banana bread recipes. Customize it to your liking with chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
