Substitute for Banana in Baking

Substitute for mashed banana in bakingBananas come from a flower, so they are also considered a berry. They are among the most popular fruits for eating right out of the hand as well as incorporating into baked goods.

Recipes call for sliced bananas, mashed bananas, diced bananas, and even whole bananas. In baking, mashed bananas are the most likely to use. This form allows for the banana to mixing with other ingredients and allows for the baked goods to take different shapes when done.

The starch in the banana helps it mix well with other baking ingredients, and also, it helps to hold other ingredients in place. This is one reason why bananas are the baker’s favorite. They also give a subtle fruity tang to your baking dish.

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, are also a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and manganese. Bananas are also fat-free, cholesterol-free, and virtually sodium-free. In addition, they produce red blood cells, metabolize carbohydrates and fats, then turn them into energy for the body.

Plenty of people will use bananas as a substitute for ingredients like butter or eggs. But what if you despise bananas, are allergic to them, if you don’t like bananas, can’t stand the smell or texture,  or you want to bake something as delicious as banana bread but don’t have bananas, there are some ingredients you can use as substitutes.

Pureed Fruits

Pureed fruits are a great option for replacing bananas in baked goods. Using pureed fruits, you still obtain the fiber, nutrients, moisture, and naturally sweet flavor as a banana. Perfect!

While any pureed fruit can work wonders, applesauce is undeniably the top choice. Applesauce is commonly used in recipes and acts as a superior replacement for bananas. Prunes are also a great option because of their sweetness, but they may alter the color of your baked goods.

For the most part, pureed fruits can be substituted like this – ½ cup of pureed fruit for every banana the recipe calls for. If you can, try not to go over 1 cup of pureed fruit. Otherwise, the mixture will end up too wet.

Egg White/Egg/Flax Egg

Banana works as a binder in many recipes. Sound like the recipe you’re working with? Then the best solution is to replace the banana with an egg or egg whites. Whether you choose an egg or egg whites will depend on personal preference and recipe needs.

To know whether or not you should use an egg white or whole egg substitute, consider the following:

Egg whites are mainly used to add volume and encourage leavening.

Whole eggs do the same but also provide fat for added flavor and tenderness. It can also thicken certain recipes, such as custards.

For the vegans out there, you can also use a homemade flax egg in place of bananas. Simply combine 1 tbsp flaxseed meal (ground raw flaxseed) with 2 ½ tbsp water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to your mixing bowl.

Plantains

As mentioned above, plantain is one kind of banana that is less sweet than other types of bananas. They are also bigger than bananas and contain more starch.

You can substitute plantains for bananas in baked goods and smoothies. You will not get the banana flavor but you will enjoy the beautiful creamy texture.

Unripe plantains have a hard texture and starchy flavor so it’s best to boil them or fry, but they can be also used when they are fully ripe.

Avocado

Avocado has a creamy, soft texture and mild flavor. It is used in sweet and savory dishes. Because of its high-fat content avocado is also used as a substitute for meat. Avocado is used in dips, spreads, milkshakes, desserts, salads, soups, and many other dishes.

As a substitute for bananas avocado can be used in smoothies, muffins, or other baked goods. Maybe you will have to add some sweetener since avocado is not sweet but you will get a similar soft texture.

Pureed Beans

If you’re feeling a little daring, why not give pureed beans ago? Certainly, this isn’t an idea that is on most people’s to-do lists. But if it’s not, you might be missing out. After all, black bean brownies and cakes are some of the richest treats you may ever taste.

When replacing bananas with pureed beans, you have options. Stick with the classic black bean or try garbanzo or white beans for a lighter appearance. Keep in mind that you will need to add some sweetener when using beans. As you may assume, beans do not have any natural sweetness to them, so adding honey, sugar, molasses, or any other type of sweetener is an absolute must.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is made from processed oats. You can use them for making cookies, cakes, bread, or you can simply add them to your muesli and porridge.

Oatmeal contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, so it is good for your health. You can use it as a substitute for bananas to thicken up the mixture, but you will have to grind them for a smoother texture.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are small oval seeds containing high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They have a crunchy texture and mild nutty flavor.

If you add chia seeds to the liquid they will consume it and swell. Chia seeds can consume liquid 12 times their weight. You can ground them or use them whole in smoothies, puddings, protein bars, drinks, salads, and baked goods.

If you are using chia seeds have in mind that they are not sweet like bananas, so you will have to add some sweetener. Don’t use too much because you will get a very thick texture.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. It contains more proteins but less sugar. It is perfect for dressings, sauces, dips, marinades, and smoothies. You can also use it as a substitute for buttermilk and sour cream in desserts.

Greek yogurt has a tart and sour flavor. So, if you don’t like it you can add some dried fruit as a sweetener. If you are using Greek yogurt, you will get a smooth thick texture but a whole different flavor.

Some yogurts have thickening agents like gelatin (made from animal bones) and sugar. Thus, be careful what you are buying. Always buy a yogurt without added thickeners and sugar.

Frequently Asked Question [FAQs] What can you use instead of bananas in banana bread?

Technically, any of the above options can work as a substitute for banana in banana bread. But you will no longer have traditional banana bread. As the name suggests, banana bread tastes like bananas. Using an alternative will change the final result.

Can you replace oil with banana in baking?

Yes, you can replace oil with banana in baking. The trick is to use mashed banana for half of the oil called for in the recipe.

Can you substitute avocado for banana in baking?

Yes, the creamy texture of avocado works well in many recipes as an alternative for bananas. You may need to add more sweetness, though, as avocado is not naturally sweet like a banana.

These substitutes can all replace bananas in any baked goods. However, you must choose carefully as the right substitute will depend on the texture and density of your baking. Also note, some of the substitutes on this list do not have the same sweet note as bananas, so you may need to add sweeteners where necessary.

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