Unsweetened applesauce or melted coconut oil: 1/3 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Milk: 1/4 cup (any kind, dairy or non-dairy works)
Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup of nuts (walnuts, pecans), dark chocolate chips, or blueberries
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Blend Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the honey (or maple syrup), eggs, unsweetened applesauce (or melted coconut oil), vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Optional Mix-ins:
If using, gently fold in your choice of nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries.
Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
