2-Banana Bread Recipe {with Applesauce} (2024)

Published: February 16, 2023 | Updated: February 16, 2023 | Leave a comment | Jump to Recipe

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Only have 2 bananas on hand? Then whip up this healthy 2-Banana Bread recipe! It’s super moist, yummy and full of that classic banana bread flavour, while being super easy to make! {Lower sugar & vegetarian}

2-Banana Bread Recipe {with Applesauce} (1)

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2 Banana Bread Recipe – Healthy & Easy!

Have you ever gone to make homemade banana bread and realize that you only have 2 bananas? In our house, we’re constantly battling it out for the ripe bananas, so when we have a banana shortage, I always like to make this Banana Bread with 2 Bananas!

It’s a lightened up version that uses whole wheat flour instead of white, and is primarily sweetened with fruit to keep it low sugar. Additionally, no butter is added since the bananas and applesauce incorporate plenty of moisture. It’s hard to go wrong with this healthy banana bread recipe!

Better yet, this delicious banana bread is an extra easy recipe to prepare because it uses only one bowl to mix everything together. Which means fewer dishes and quicker cleanup. Win win!

If desired, you can fold in some dark chocolate chips for a tasty chocolate banana flavour explosion. Can never go wrong with a bit of chocolate!

If you’re looking for another good banana bread recipe, you’ll also want to check out thisHealthy Zucchini Banana Bread or Protein Banana Bread!

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Why We Love This Banana Bread with Applesauce

One bowl: All it takes to whip up this easy banana bread recipe is one large mixing bowl. Start by mashing the overripe bananas, whisk in the wet ingredients and gently stir in the dry ingredients. Easy peasy!

Low sugar: To keep this simple recipe light and healthy, we rely on 2 overripe mashed bananas and applesauce to provide a boost of natural sugar and sweetness. A little bit of honey is also added to enhance the sweetness.

Nutrient-rich: Our banana bread with applesauce is full of nutrients, from fibre in the whole wheat flour to potassium in the bananas. This is a recipe you can feel good serving to the whole family.

Ingredient Notes

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Bananas: For maximum sweetness, use 2 large overripe bananas. The more brown spots, the better!
Applesauce: To cut back on sugar and eliminate the butter, we used unsweetened applesauce for moist banana bread.
Honey: A little bit of honey is used to enhance the sweetness. Maple syrup can also be used.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds some extra protein.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the banana flavour.
Whole Wheat Flour: For lighter bread, use whole wheat pastry flour. Regular all-purpose flour can also be used, however, whole wheat flour provides that extra boost of fibre and nutrients.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: To help the bread rise as it bakes.
Salt: To help balance the flavours.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Mini or regular dark chocolate chips are optional but add a tasty chocolate flavour and extra texture to the loaf.

How to Make Banana Bread with 2 Bananas – Step-by-Step

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Start by lowering the oven rack to the lower third of the oven to prevent the 2 banana bread from browning too quickly. Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Using a fork, potato masher or electric mixer, mash 2 bananas in a large bowl. Next, whisk in 3/4 cup of the applesauce until combined. Then whisk 1/4 cup honey, 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the banana mixture.
Next, using a spatula fold in the dry ingredients until just combined: 1 and 3/4 cups whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes in the lower third of the preheated oven. After about 30 minutes tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes on the counter before removing it to a wire rack to cool fully. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

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Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Recipe

I used 2 very large overripe bananas (about 8-9 inches long) that together weighed 305 grams without the peel. I recommend using large bananas that are overripe to ensure that there’s enough natural sweetness since minimal sugar is added to this recipe. Place the bananas in a brown paper bag with an apple to help them ripen faster!

This one bowl banana bread is lightly sweetened to keep it lower in sugar. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add in 2-4 tablespoons of coconut sugar or brown sugar in addition to the honey.

For easy removal of the loaf from the pan, spray really well with cooking spray or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray bottom and sides with cooking spray. You may also need to use a knife to loosen the edges from the pan before removing the loaf.

For a more light and fluffy loaf, use whole wheat pastry flour instead of regular whole wheat flour.

For the perfect banana bread, don’t over mix the batter, as it will result in a more dense, less fluffy loaf. Instead, mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just barely combined, and no more dry flour is visible

Recipe FAQs

Can you make banana bread with 2 bananas?

Yes, banana bread can be made with only 2 bananas! Unlike your classic banana bread recipes that require 3 or more bananas, our recipe requires two large overripe bananas and applesauce for super moist and yummy banana bread.

How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread lasts 4-5 days at room temperature. To extend the shelf life of banana bread, wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

Does banana bread need to be refrigerated?

Banana bread is a moist bread, so it does tend to go moldy after a few days stored at room temperature. Storing the banana bread in the refrigerator will help it last longer.

Is banana bread healthy?

Banana bread often contains quite a bit of refined flour, brown or white sugar and butter, so it’s best reserved as a special treat. This 2-banana bread recipe has been modified to be lower in sugar, in addition to a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, so it’s a healthier version than your traditional banana bread. That being said, like all sweets, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

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How to Store Banana Bread

Room temperature: Be sure to completely cool the loaf before storing it to avoid trapping excess heat and moisture. Line an airtight container or bag with a paper towel, place the bread on top, and then place another paper towel on top. Seal the container or bag. Bread will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Refrigerator: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top bag or container. Bread is good for 7-9 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer: To store one bowl banana bread in the freezer, wrap the whole loaf tightly in freezer wrap, then wrap it in 2 layers of tin foil or in a freezer bag or container. You can also freeze it in individual slices. Bread will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Banana Bread Add-Ins

Our healthy banana bread recipe is perfect to experiment with different add-ins. From adding cocoa powder to peanut butter, you can mix up the flavours each time you bake up a loaf!

Try any of these additions:

Serving Suggestions

Serve banana bread as a quick breakfast, easy snack or yummy after school pick me up. You can eat it plain or slather it with some peanut butter or almond butter. It can also be served with any of the following for a more satisfying snack or breakfast:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt
Banana Smoothie without Yogurt
Fresh fruit with Yogurt Fruit Dip
Yogurt (try this Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt)
Small handful of nuts

Recipe Variations

Banana nut bread: Fold in 1/4 cup walnuts at the end instead of the chocolate chips
Add a streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 2 tablespoons coconut oil, until a crumb mixture forms. Sprinkle over the bread before baking.
Double the recipe: If you have 4 large overripe bananas, double the recipe and bake it in two separate loaf pans. Save one for the freezer to enjoy later!

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More Banana Recipes

Mini Blueberry Banana Muffins
Healthy Oatmeal Muffins Recipe {4 Different Ways}
Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Banana Muffins with Applesauce
Banana Protein Muffins

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Course Breakfast, Snack