Are you short of enough bananas for your recipe of banana bread? Or maybe you are looking for an alternative to replace all the bananas to create an entirely new type of bread?
No matter why you need it, there are a number of banana substitutes you can use in any banana bread recipe.
Bananas provide a wonderful flavor as well as the needed moisture that makes that classic banana bread flavor and texture possible.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a wonderful tasting alternative when you don’t have enough bananas to complete your recipe. The key is to use an ingredient that pairs well with banana as well as provides the enough moisture and the right texture.
So what are the best substitutes for banana when making banana bread?
The top alternatives you can use to make banana bread are applesauce, pureed pumpkin, pureed carrots, peanut butter, zucchini, and Greek yogurt.
Each of these replacements will provide you with a wonderful tasting loaf of bread. They all provide a flavor that pairs well with banana, so if you are trying to partially replace banana in your recipe, these ingredients will work wonderfully.
Related Recipe: Banana bread without baking soda
Banana Alternatives for Banana Bread
I love the aroma of fresh baked banana bread, and the only thing better is that moist delicious flavor. Me and my family enjoy this sweet breakfast treat a couple times a month.
But more than once I went to bake a loaf only to discover I didn’t have enough bananas on hand. But that didn’t stop me.
After a number of experiments, I’m going to share my favorite banana alternatives that can be used alongside bananas or completely on their own.
Related: Sub for butter in banana bread
Applesauce
Applesauce is one of my all time favorite partial banana replacements for banana bread. The flavor pairs perfectly with banana and it provides the perfect amount of moisture.
I recommend using natural, unflavored applesauce as other varieties are pretty high in sugar. But if you only have high sugar applesauce on hand, reduce other added sugar from your recipe to compensate.
Related: Shortening alternative when baking banana bread
Equivalent
1/2 cup of applesauce equals 1 banana
Pureed Pumpkin
Oh boy, pumpkin and banana goes incredibly well together. So if you have pureed pumpkin on hand, it is an amazing banana substitute.
Pumpkin puree mixes well with your other ingredients and can be used as a partial or complete banana replacement in any recipe.
Note: Pureed pumpkin is not as sweet as banana so you will want to add about a tablespoon of granulated or brown sugar. You can also add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to really elevate the flavor.
Related: Pumpkin puree substitute
Equivalent
1/2 cup pumpkin puree equals 1 banana
Pureed Carrots
If you are looking for an interesting combination to replace some banana in your recipe, carrots are an excellent option.
The flavor goes well with banana, while being an easy way to get some more veggies in your family’s diet. Simply steam your carrots and then puree them in the food processor before adding them to the rest of your ingredients.
Equivalent
12/ cup of pureed carrots equals 1 banana
Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter is a great partial substitute for bananas in any banana bread recipe. The flavor combination is wonderful and is one of my personal favorites.
You can use natural or regular peanut butter but I recommend avoiding chunky peanut butter as the peanuts tend to get mushy when baked.
Related: How to tell if peanut butter has gone bad
Equivalent
1/2 cup of peanut butter equals 1 banana
Zucchini
Zucchini bread is one of my family’s favorites, and what better way to make it even better than combining it with banana bread?
This is another great flavor combination that makes getting your kids to eat more vegetables a breeze
Wash, peel, and shred your zucchini before adding it to the rest of your banana bread ingredients.
Equivalent
3/4 cup of shredded zucchini equals 1 banana
Greek Yogurt
If you need a banana substitute that doesn’t add a whole new flavor to your recipe, Greek yogurt is a great option.
It provides moisture while making a nice, dense banana bread. Unflavored yogurt is the way to go, but vanilla does work in a pinch.
Related: Greek yogurt alternatives
Equivalent
1/2 cup of Greek yogurt equals 1 banana
Bottom Line
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to make a two banana bread recipe only to discover I’m down to only one banana left.
But by using the substitutes above I’ve been able to make a wonderful tasting loaf of banana bread without having to make a special trip to the grocery store.
Each provides a unique flavor, try them all and let me know which is your favorite.