Versatile Banana Bread with Substitutes
This adaptable banana bread recipe allows you to use various substitutes when you're out of bananas. Perfect for busy families who want easy, quick bread options without running to the store for ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- BANANA SUBSTITUTE OPTIONS (choose one combination to equal ¾ cup total):
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree + ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt + 2 tbsp extra sugar
- ¾ cup mashed avocado (about 1½ medium avocados) + 2 tbsp extra sugar + ¼ tsp extra vanilla
- ¾ cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add your chosen banana substitute and mix until incorporated. If using avocado, ensure it's mashed until very smooth with no lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition values will vary based on which substitute you choose.
For banana flavor without bananas, add ½ teaspoon banana extract.
If using sweetened applesauce, reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons.
Substitute bread may bake faster or slower than traditional banana bread - start checking at 50 minutes.
For best flavor, store cooled bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.