Banana-Applesauce Bread

The other day, I found myself with LOTS of overripe bananas.  I was on an adventure to find a recipe for just a plain, old fashioned banana bread that was WW friendly.  

I searched and searched, then settled on this recipe from a WW cookbook I have in my ridiculously large extensive cookbook collection I own. 

 I was really happy with the results of this banana bread; moist with a strong banana flavor.  At 7p+ per slice, it is a bit of a splurge, but you can tweak the p+ values by decreasing the serving size. The recipe calls for a large loaf to be divided into 12 servings, which is VERY generous!

Since I had so many bananas to use up...I ended up doubling the recipe and making two breads.  I gave one away to my mom and kept one for my family.

*A note about making quick breads and muffins....DO NOT OVERMIX THE BATTER!  This will give you a tough end product.  It's ok to leave a bit of flour mixture that has not been fully incorporated into the wet ingredients. 

Another good rule to remember is to always mix up the wet ingredients separate and then bring them to the dry to combine.  

By following these two steps...you will be assured of a tender bread or muffin!

Banana Applesauce Bread

bread, side dish

American

Yield: 12 servings

Author: Renee Paj

Banana-Applesauce Bread

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 H & 15 MTotal time: 1 H & 25 M

Healthier and lower calorie version of banana bread with the addition of applesauce. Moist and tender, this quick bread recipe is full of banana and apple flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 - 4 medium sized, very ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute (such as eggbeaters) or 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spreay a 9 x 5" nonstick loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg until combined. Set aside.
3. In a medium sized bowl, mash the bananas ( I use a potato masher) To the mashed banana, add the sugar, egg substitute, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
4. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture and stir until JUST COMBINED. Do NOT over mix. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean, about an hour and 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack. Once cooled, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap to store.

Notes

Do not overmix batter once you combine the wet and the dry ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

293.57

Fat (grams)

8.68 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.55 g

Carbs (grams)

47.43 g

Fiber (grams)

3.18 g

Net carbs

44.25 g

Sugar (grams)

15.56 g

Protein (grams)

7.53 g

Sodium (milligrams)

174.13 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

34.54 mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy.

Copyright © 2015 Renee's Kitchen Adventures

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I really enjoy new flavor combos...but sometimes, you just want something that is pure and simple and comfort food at it's best....this banana applesauce bread is just that.  Nothing fancy...just pure and simple goodness.  How about you?  Do you ever just want to make something that is plain and simple grassroots food?