Healthy & Delicious Oil-Free Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
Discover a truly delightful and healthier take on a beloved classic: banana bread. This exceptional recipe is thoughtfully crafted without any added oil and uses only a modest amount of sugar, making it a perfect sweet treat you can enjoy guilt-free.
If you’re anything like me, your blog might be home to a cherished collection of banana bread recipes. While each holds a special place, offering unique flavors and textures, I’ll be completely transparent: most wouldn’t quite fit into the “healthy” category. They are undeniably delicious, crafted with all the comforting richness we associate with traditional baking. However, this particular Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread recipe stands in a league of its own. It represents a refreshing departure, offering all the warmth and satisfaction of homemade banana bread, but with a significantly lighter nutritional profile.
The Secret to a Healthier, Yet Irresistible Banana Bread
What makes this recipe so remarkably different and a true game-changer? It’s fundamentally built on healthier substitutions that don’t compromise on taste or texture. This banana bread is completely oil-free, relying instead on the natural moisture and sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce. The original inspiration for this recipe was even developed without any added sugar, though I found a touch of brown sugar enhanced its depth and made it perfectly sweet for my family’s preference. For those with specific dietary needs, it’s worth noting that the core recipe is so flexible it even offers a straightforward vegan option, demonstrating its adaptability and broad appeal.
Unbeatable Moisture and Flavor, Naturally Achieved
Despite its healthy credentials, this bread is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. The combination of mashed bananas and applesauce works wonders, creating a tender crumb that rivals even the richest, butter-laden versions. The natural sugars from the fruit provide a delightful sweetness, complemented beautifully by a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. But the health benefits don’t stop there. The thoughtful addition of rolled oats infuses this bread with a significant boost of fiber. If you’re conscious about what you eat, as I certainly am, you’ll appreciate how these wholesome ingredients contribute to a more nutritious, satisfying snack or breakfast. It’s truly a feel-good food that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
A Culinary Journey: Discovering This Recipe Through the Secret Recipe Club
The joy of discovering new recipes is always a highlight, and I was particularly thrilled to stumble upon this gem through the Secret Recipe Club this month. This wonderful club pairs bloggers, giving them a chance to explore and bake from another participant’s culinary creations. My assignment led me to the fantastic blog of The Cookaholic Wife, hosted by the talented Nicole. Residing in Maryland with her husband and two adorable cats, Nicole shares a passion for cooking and baking that truly resonated with me. Like myself, she finds immense pleasure in preparing delicious meals for her entire family, whether for special holidays or just everyday treats. Her joy in sending baked goods to work and ensuring everyone is well-fed is a sentiment I deeply understand and share.
Navigating through Nicole’s blog was an absolute delight. Her diverse collection of recipes made choosing just one a delightful challenge. I pondered over several tempting options, including her decadent Hot Fudge Cheesecake Brownies and the charming Baked Caramel Apple Doughnuts. While I ultimately settled on this healthy banana bread, those other recipes definitely caught my eye and are now firmly on my “must-try” list. In fact, I’m already certain I’ll be whipping up her incredible Vanilla Bourbon Pumpkin Pie this coming fall – it sounds absolutely divine!
Enhance Your Bread with Homemade Applesauce
To truly elevate this Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread to its full potential, I highly recommend using a homemade cinnamon applesauce. While store-bought applesauce will certainly work, crafting your own allows you to control the spice level and natural sweetness, injecting an unparalleled depth of flavor into your bread. For a truly outstanding result, consider my very own cinnamon applesauce recipe. It’s simple to make and will make all the difference in achieving that perfect, comforting taste.
Tips for Baking the Best Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread
Achieving the perfect loaf of this healthy banana bread is simple with a few key tips:
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – they’re ideal for baking.
- Don’t Overmix: After combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no lumps of flour remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough bread. A few small lumps are fine!
- Proper Pan Preparation: Always spray your loaf pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
- Testing for Doneness: Use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps it hold its shape.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain for a simple, satisfying snack, or elevate it with your favorite toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or almond butter.
- Toast a slice and serve with fresh fruit.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
Feel free to customize your loaf by adding:
- A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips (if a little indulgence is desired).
- Additional spices like a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more warmth.
Storage
To keep your Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread moist and fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it has completely cooled. Store it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully; simply wrap it well and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
What are we waiting for? Let’s get to the recipe!
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Print Recipe
Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (medium sized, mashed)
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅔ cup cinnamon applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats (plus 1 Tablespoon for topping)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Then, stir in the milk, cinnamon applesauce, egg, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until all wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
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In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of rolled oats evenly over the top of the batter. Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
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Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan to cool completely on the wire rack.
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Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and freshness. *For a vegan option: the egg can be omitted, and honey can be replaced with an equal amount of agave nectar or maple syrup.*
Notes
Nutrition
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