Easy Homemade Apple Banana Bread Recipe Without Added Sugar
If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of fruit without added sugar, this easy homemade apple banana bread recipe is just what you need. This bread is incredibly moist, thanks to ripe bananas and grated apples. The flavors of cinnamon and the natural sweetness from medjool dates make it a wholesome treat that everyone will love. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, this bread is perfect for any time of the day and is sure to become a favorite in your house.
Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Estimated Calories: 150 per slice
Ingredients:
- 10 medjool dates, pitted
- 3 small bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
Instructions:
- Place the pitted medjool dates in a small bowl and cover them with almost boiling water. Let them soak for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a mini food processor, pulse the soaked dates until they form a smooth paste. Add warm water if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, olive oil, vanilla extract, and date paste until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the grated apples, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Why This Recipe is Popular:
People love this apple banana bread because it’s easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas and apples. The absence of added sugar means it’s healthier while still being delicious, making it suitable for various diets. It’s an excellent recipe for fall and winter when apples are in season, bringing back warm, comforting memories of home baking.
Serving Suggestions:
This apple banana bread is great served as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a dollop of yogurt on the side for added creaminess.
Tips and Variations:
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week.
- For a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or oat flour.
- Swap the olive oil for melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with spices by adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm, aromatic touch.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
- Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well, just make sure to drain any excess liquid.
- How can I store the apple banana bread?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture or applesauce.
- What kind of apples should I use?
- Any variety of apple works well, but tart ones like Granny Smith add a great contrast to the sweetness of the bananas and dates.
Now that you have this easy homemade apple banana bread recipe without added sugar, get your ingredients ready and give it a try! It’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy. Happy baking!
Apple Banana Bread
A delightful and moist apple banana bread recipe made without added sugar, featuring ripe bananas and grated apples for natural sweetness.
Main Ingredients
- 10 pieces medjool dates, pitted
- 3 pieces small bananas, mashed (Ripe bananas preferred.)
- 2 pieces eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with melted butter or avocado oil.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups flour, sifted (Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for variations.)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fruits
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated (Tart varieties like Granny Smith are recommended.)
Preparation
- Place the pitted medjool dates in a small bowl and cover them with almost boiling water. Let them soak for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a mini food processor, pulse the soaked dates until they form a smooth paste. Add warm water if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, olive oil, vanilla extract, and date paste until the mixture is smooth.
Mixing
- Add the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the grated apples, being careful not to overmix.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Storing
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week. Experiment with adding nuts for texture.