Banana Substitute in Baking

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, or simply don’t have any on hand? No problem. There are tons of great substitutes, including applesauce, avocado, and eggs, that work fine.

My name is Michelle, and if I’m quite frank, I am not a huge banana fan. Every once in a while, sure. But not all the time. That said, I have tinkered with banana substitutes in baking here and there with great results. Today, I want to share that knowledge with you!

If you’re looking for a banana substitute in baking, I’m here to help. Below, you will find a top-notch list of banana substitutes that will work well for your baked goods. 

Let’s see what to replace banana in baking!

Top 4 Banana Substitutes in Baking

If you don’t have or like bananas, the good news is, there are a few substitutes that can work magic in your recipe. The biggest thing to remember is that banana-specific recipes, such as banana bread or banana pudding, cannot be replicated as they rely on the banana flavor.

However, if the recipe simply calls for bananas but is not the main ingredient or flavor profile, you can easily swap it for one of these substitutes below. 

1. 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 of 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.

2. 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. If you have never made a flax egg, the recipe is simple. 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.

3. Silky Foods

Many ‘silky’ foods can replace bananas since they have a similar texture. Some of the best soft foods to use as a substitute include:

• Canned pureed pumpkin
• Silken tofu
• Plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is a great option if you’re upping the protein content)
• Mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• Avocado

The most important thing to remember when opting for silky foods is that you will need to add a bit more sweeteners since these options don’t have natural sweetness like a banana. To get the right amount of sweetness, make sure to taste-test your recipe as you go.

Remember that you shouldn’t use plain Greek yogurt if your recipe calls for lemon juice, buttermilk, or vinegar. The combination does not tend to mix well and may have adverse effects on your final product.

4. Pureed Beans

If you’re feeling a little daring, why not give pureed beans a go? 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. 

FAQs

Before you dive into your recipe, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding banana substitutes in baking.

What can you use instead of bananas in banana bread?

Technically, any of the above options can work as a substitute for bananas 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 butter for bananas?

Yes, bananas can be substituted for butter in a 1:1 ratio.

Can you substitute avocado for banana in baking?

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

Final Thoughts

Not everyone is a fan of bananas, or they may simply not have it on their kitchen countertop. When in doubt, you can use other options such as pureed fruits (applesauce or prunes work best), soft foods like tofu or yogurt, or pureed beans. Even an egg can work wonders!

Do you substitute bananas in baking? What do you substitute it with? Comment below!

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.