If you’re looking for a delicious and moist cake without the added sugar, this banana bread recipe is perfect for you! It’s soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Here’s a friendly guide to baking the softest banana bread you’ve ever had.

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/4 cup chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The bananas should be almost liquid-like.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil (or olive oil), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

6. Add Optional Mix-Ins: Fold in any optional ingredients like chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips. These add a delightful texture and extra flavor to your banana bread.

7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread:

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread soft and moist.

Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

This simple and moist banana bread recipe is a wonderful treat for any time of the day. It’s naturally sweetened by the bananas and applesauce, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try and enjoy the softest, most delicious banana bread you’ve ever baked!