Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you start baking to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown crust. This step is essential for the perfect rise and texture of the banana bread.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ripe bananas (mashed), eggs, salted butter (softened), and unsweetened applesauce. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth and free of lumps. The mashed bananas should yield around 1 1/2 cups of mixture. Mix the wet ingredients together well, ensuring the butter is fully incorporated into the other components. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread, balancing out the richness of the butter.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the white flour, wheat flour, cinnamon powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is important for consistent rising during baking. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Lightly grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the banana bread from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal once baked. Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform rise.
Bake the Banana Bread:
Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check the bread around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If not, continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes. The top of the banana bread should be golden brown and slightly cracked, indicating that it is fully baked.
Cool and Enjoy:
Once the bread is done, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the bread from the pan without it falling apart. After 10 minutes, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve! Enjoy your homemade banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate comforting treat.
