Out of Banana, one case
Banana substitutes, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Applesauce
½ cup applesauce for every 1 medium banana
The best substitutes for banana are applesauce, sweet potato, or plantain, depending on the dish and texture needed. Each provides different characteristics for various applications.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full banana card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of banana | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applesaucebaking | ½ cup applesauce per 1 medium bananaYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Sweet potatobaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Plantaincooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Pumpkin pureebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Avocadobaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Greek yogurtbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Applesauce
different taste and texture
Pureed apples that provide similar sweetness and moisture. Good for baking and when you want liquid form.
- Best for
- baking, muffins, cakes, quick breads, when you want liquid form, when you want sweetness
Applesauce is liquid, so reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe. Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
Sweet potato
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, starchy vegetable that provides similar sweetness and texture when cooked. Good for when you want similar sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, muffins, cakes, quick breads, when you want sweetness, when you want nutrition
Sweet potato has a different flavor than banana but provides similar sweetness and can be used in many applications.
Plantain
different taste, similar texture
Starchy fruit that provides similar texture and cooking properties. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- cooking, frying, baking, when you want similar texture, when you want starchiness
Plantain has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and is excellent for cooking.
Pumpkin puree
different taste, similar texture
Pureed pumpkin with similar moisture content and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- baking, muffins, cakes, quick breads, when you want similar texture, 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 with similar binding properties and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- baking, muffins, cakes, quick breads, when you want similar texture, 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 with similar texture and tangy flavor. Good for when you want tangy flavor.
- Best for
- baking, muffins, cakes, quick breads, when you want tangy flavor, when you want protein
Greek yogurt has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and binding properties. Adds protein to baked goods.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting banana, the key consideration is the balance between sweetness, moisture, and texture. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to banana in various cooking applications, whether you're baking, making smoothies, or cooking.
Tips for substituting banana
8 tips- Bananas should be stored at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerated
- Overripe bananas are good for baking as they provide more sweetness and moisture
- Bananas can be frozen and used later for smoothies or baking
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them with lemon juice or vinegar
- Bananas are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6
- Use bananas in recipes that call for them specifically for best results
- Bananas can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, or made into smoothies
- For best results, mash bananas well before using in recipes
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 is a good substitute for banana?
The best substitutes for banana are applesauce (for baking), sweet potato (for sweetness), or plantain (for texture). Each provides different characteristics depending on your needs.
Can I use applesauce instead of banana?
Yes, applesauce can substitute for bananas in many recipes, especially baking. Use about ½ cup applesauce per medium banana, and reduce other liquid ingredients.
What 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 sweet potato instead of banana?
Yes, sweet potato can substitute for bananas in many recipes, especially baking. 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.