Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups (288g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas)
- 6 Tablespoons (90g) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2/3 cup (67g) chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). This helps prevent the bread top from browning too early. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: Using an electric mixer or by hand, beat the mashed bananas, applesauce, and eggs together until combined. Add honey, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat again on medium-high speed until thoroughly mixed.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on medium speed or stir by hand until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
- Bake the banana bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes at 350°F (177°C), loosely covering the top with aluminum foil halfway through baking to avoid excessive browning. Begin checking for doneness at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few small moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Cooling helps the structure to set and flavors to develop.
- Storage tips: Cover the banana bread and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. It tastes best on the second day after flavors have melded.
Notes
- You can substitute the walnuts with other nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Using whole wheat flour increases fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
- The applesauce helps keep the bread moist without added fat.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey and brown sugar according to taste.
- Covering the loaf halfway through baking prevents the top from burning while ensuring the bread cooks through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat