banana applesauce bread

I had some banana's that needed to be transformed, so I went in search of a healthier banana bread recipe.  I found one that looked promising at cooks.com and dove in!  The recipe is simple, and I didn't tweak too much.  The flavor is good, and the bread is moist :)

Banana Applesauce Bread

3 ripe bananas/mashed (I used 3 really ripe ones & 1 sorta ripe one)
1 c. sugar (I used 1/2 brown sugar)
1/2 c. applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla (I also added about 1/4 tsp almond extract)
2 c. flour
I also tossed in about 1/2 c. pecans because they have been sitting patiently waiting to be thrown into something since Christmas!

Place mashed bananas in mixer bowl with sugars & mix it well.  Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so it gets nice & goopy.  Add applesauce & eggs and beat well.  Beat in baking soda, baking powder, salt & extracts.  Gradually add flour & mix thoroughly.  Bake in a greased (sprayed) 9x5 loaf pan @ 350 deg for 45 mins or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let stand 10 mins in pan before removing.  Makes 1 loaf         (I only have 8.5x4.5 pans, and I baked for about 50 mins)

 

Since all the batter was too much for my smaller pan, I made 2 large muffins as well.  I ate one of those while it was warm and it was yummy!  This is moist enough you could sub wheat flour without making it too dry, which I will try next time I have both wheat flour and yucky bananas in the house at the same time!