Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour) — Healthy, moist loaf in about 1 hour
Short introduction (what it is and why)
This fruit loaf is a simple, no-sugar, no-flour quick bread. It uses ripe bananas and applesauce to bind and sweeten the loaf. Dried fruits and nuts add chew and flavor. You bake it in one pan and get a moist slice that works for breakfast, snack, or a light dessert.
Why you’ll love it (benefits)
- No added sugar: natural sweetness from bananas and applesauce.
- No flour: good for people avoiding wheat or who want a grain-free bread.
- Fast and simple: mix bowls, pour into a loaf pan, bake about 50–60 minutes.
- Flexible: use different dried fruits, nuts, or spices.
- Moist and filling: bananas and applesauce keep it soft for days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
Substitutions & key variations
- Dried fruit: swap any mix for chopped dates, figs, or cherries.
- Nuts: omit for nut-free or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Spice: add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Add-ins: mix 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut or 2 tablespoons chia seeds.
- Make it seed-based: replace nuts with extra seeds for nut-free protein.
Step-by-step
Step 1 — Prep the oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with oil or line with parchment.
Step 2 — Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until even.
Step 3 — Mix dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4 — Combine wet and dry
Add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5 — Add fruit and nuts
Fold in the dried fruits and nuts if you use them. Make sure they spread evenly.
Step 6 — Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Step 7 — Cool
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Success tips (temperature, texture, common mistakes)
- Oven temp: keep 350°F (175°C) steady. Too hot browns the top before inside cooks.
- Texture: loaf should be moist but set. A clean toothpick means done. If crumbs stick, bake 5–10 more minutes.
- Ripe bananas: use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: overmixing can make the loaf dense. Stir until ingredients just join.
- Even fruit: chop large dried fruit so it doesn’t sink or create holes.
- Pan size: use a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. A smaller pan will need more time; a larger pan will bake faster.
How to serve
Slice and serve plain, or spread a thin layer of nut butter or yogurt. It pairs well with tea or coffee. Serve warm or at room temperature. For a sweeter treat, lightly toast slices and add a thin spread of jam or mashed banana.
Storage & reheating
- Room temp: store wrapped or in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Fridge: keep for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before eating for best taste.
- Freezer: wrap slices in plastic and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.
- Reheat: microwave a slice for 10–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for 3–5 minutes.
introduction
why make this recipe
how to make Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour)
Ingredients :
2 cups mashed ripe bananas, 1 cup applesauce, 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan., 2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, and vanilla extract., 3. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt., 4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir until just combined., 5. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts if using., 6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan., 7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean., 8. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour)
how to store Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour)
tips to make Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour)
variation (if any)
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes. Leave out walnuts or pecans. Add seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for crunch if you want.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
A: Small chopped apples or pears can work, but they add moisture. Reduce applesauce by 2–4 tablespoons if you add fresh fruit.
Q: Will the loaf be sweet enough without sugar?
A: Yes, if bananas are very ripe. Applesauce also adds natural sweetness. Taste batter for sweetness before baking if you like.
Q: Can I make muffins with this batter?
A: Yes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–25 minutes depending on size.
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Nutrition notes / equivalents
- One slice (1/10 loaf) is roughly: 150–220 calories depending on nuts and fruit.
- Bananas add potassium and natural sugars. Applesauce adds fiber and moisture.
- To lower calories: omit nuts or reduce portion size. To add protein: serve with Greek yogurt or nut butter.
Conclusion + CTA
This Fruit Loaf (no sugar, no flour) is easy, healthy, and gentle on the oven. It is great for quick breakfasts or a simple snack. If you like grain-free baked goods, you may also enjoy this related grain-free idea: Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake – Nourish Every Day. Try that recipe for more fruit-based, grain-free baking ideas.
Links to related recipes
- Banana oat muffins (no added sugar)
- Date and nut energy bars
- Apple cinnamon breakfast loaf
Fruit Loaf
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness.
- 1 cup applesauce Can reduce by 2-4 tablespoons if using fresh fruit.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots) Feel free to swap for chopped dates, figs, or cherries.
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans Optional; for nut-free, consider sunflower seeds.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with oil or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until even.
- In another bowl, mix the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the dried fruits and nuts if using. Make sure they spread evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Baking
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.