Out of Banana, one case
Banana substitutes for baking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Applesauce
½ cup applesauce for every 1 medium banana
For baking, the best substitutes for banana are applesauce, sweet potato puree, or pumpkin puree. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting for moisture and sweetness as needed.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- muffins
One casethe full banana card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of banana | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applesaucemuffins | ½ cup applesauce per 1 medium bananaYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Sweet potato pureemuffins | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Pumpkin pureemuffins | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Avocadomuffins | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Greek yogurtmuffins | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Plantainmuffins | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Applesauce
different taste and texture
Pureed apples that provide similar sweetness and moisture. Good for most baking applications.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want apple flavor
Applesauce is liquid, so reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe. Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
Sweet potato puree
different taste, similar texture
Pureed sweet potato that provides similar sweetness and texture. Good for when you want similar sweetness.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want sweetness
Sweet potato has a different flavor than banana but provides similar sweetness and can be used in many applications.
Pumpkin puree
different taste, similar texture
Pureed pumpkin that provides similar moisture content and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want orange color
Pumpkin puree has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and moisture. Adds orange color to baked goods.
Avocado
different taste, similar texture
Creamy fruit that provides similar binding properties and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want healthy fats
Avocado has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and binding properties. Adds healthy fats to baked goods.
Greek yogurt
different taste, similar texture
Creamy dairy product that provides similar texture and tangy flavor. Good for when you want tangy flavor.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want protein
Greek yogurt has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and binding properties. Adds protein to baked goods.
Plantain
different taste, similar texture
Starchy fruit that provides similar texture and cooking properties. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- muffins, cakes, quick breads, brownies, cookies, pancakes, when you want starchiness
Plantain has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and is excellent for baking.
How it behaves in this recipe
When baking, bananas serve specific functions that require careful consideration. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to bananas in baking applications, whether you're making muffins, cakes, or other baked goods.
Tips for substituting banana
8 tips- Bananas are excellent for baking because they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and binding properties
- Overripe bananas are good for baking as they provide more sweetness and moisture
- Bananas can be frozen and used later for baking - just thaw before using
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them with lemon juice or vinegar
- For best results, mash bananas well before using in recipes
- Bananas can help reduce the need for added sugar and fat in recipes
- They work particularly well in muffins, quick breads, and dense cakes
- Bananas can make baked goods more dense, so expect a different texture
Notes on banana
- Commercial banana substitutes are available for specific dietary needs
- Homemade banana puree can be made by blending ripe bananas
- Some recipes can be adapted to use other fruits entirely
- Commercial fruit purees are available for specific applications
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for banana in baking?
For baking, you can use applesauce, sweet potato puree, pumpkin puree, or avocado as substitutes for banana. Each provides similar moisture and binding properties.
Can I use applesauce instead of banana in baking?
Yes, applesauce can substitute for bananas in many baking recipes. Use about ½ cup applesauce per medium banana, and reduce other liquid ingredients.
What's the best substitute for banana in muffins?
For muffins, applesauce, sweet potato puree, or pumpkin puree work well as substitutes for banana. Each provides similar moisture and binding properties.
Can I use sweet potato instead of banana in baking?
Yes, sweet potato can substitute for bananas in many baking recipes. It has a different flavor but provides similar sweetness and texture when cooked.
Why are bananas popular in baking?
Bananas are popular in baking because they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and binding properties. They also add flavor and can help reduce the need for added sugar and fat in recipes.