Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 450g)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (80ml)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (60ml)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (190g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, 70g)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional, 90g)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease the loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  4. Add applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), the beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and whole wheat flour.
  6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).
  7. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.