Banana Bread With Apple Sauce Recipe

Banana bread is a timeless rite — the scent of ripe bananas turning into a warm loaf, yielding slices that feel like comfort wrapped in crumb. Add in applesauce as a fat stand-in, and you bring in a twist: moistness without heaviness. But imagine taking that beloved loaf and shifting the lens to be gluten-free banana bread — offering that same cozy texture and sweetness to people who can’t (or won’t) eat gluten.

Though the original recipe uses wheat flour, creating a gluten-free banana bread with applesauce opens up that experience to more kitchens. You maintain the appeal of the original — mashed bananas, warming spices, soft crumb — while substituting in gluten-free flour blends and keeping applesauce as a moisture booster. The result is a loaf that feels familiar and inclusive at once.

This loaf suits every occasion: weekend brunch, snack-time slices, or a loaf to gift. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but delicious enough to feel like a treat. Between the banana, the hint of spice, and that tang of applesauce, it’s a loaf that proves gluten-free doesn’t mean “less than.”

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How To Make Banana Bread with Applesauce

Recipe Details

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups sprouted white wheat flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup apple sauce

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with 1 tablespoon butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Add eggs, mashed bananas, and applesauce; stir just until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

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Banana Bread with Applesauce Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per slice (recipe yields 8 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
Calories	≈ 220 kcal
Protein	≈ 5 g
Carbs	≈ 25 g
Sugar	≈ 24 g
Fiber	≈ 3 g
Fat	≈ 3 g

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Banana Bread with Applesauce Variations & Tips

• Flour swap: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend or combination of oat flour + almond flour to replicate texture.
• Spice enhancements: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for extra warmth and depth.
• Fruit additions: Fold in blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins to add bursts of flavor.
• Reduce sugar: Since applesauce is already sweet, you can reduce added sugar by 10–20 % without losing balance.
• Mini loaf or muffins: If you want to shorten bake time or create portable portions, divide into mini pans.
• Top texture: Press sliced banana or sprinkle oats on top before baking for visual appeal and added texture.

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Best Banana Bread with Applesauce Pairings

• Coconut or Greek yogurt — tangy creaminess that complements the loaf’s softness.
• Nut or seed butter (almond, sunflower) — for a richer, protein lift on slices.
• Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices) — adds acidity and freshness to balance sweetness.
• Coffee, chai, or herbal tea — aromatic sips that elevate the loaf experience.
• Warm milk (almond, oat, dairy) — gentle, creamy drink to go alongside a cozy slice.

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Best Times for Making Banana Bread with Applesauce

• Brunch gatherings — loaf fits right in with eggs, fruit platters, and spreads.
• Weekend baking rituals — a slower loaf to make when you have time to enjoy the process.
• Snack packs or lunchboxes — slice ahead and pack for clean, satisfying snacks.
• Holiday mornings — a gentle sweet option alongside richer breakfast dishes.
• Gift baking — wrap a loaf in parchment or gift wrap as a thoughtful treat.

Recipe by: Angela Gaines