This Healthy Banana Applesauce Snack Cake is proof that wholesome baking can still taste like a treat. Made with ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, and whole grains, this moist and fluffy snack cake is naturally sweetened and perfect for everyday baking. A simple drizzle of dark chocolate adds just enough indulgence without turning it into a heavy dessert.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier after-school snack, a lunchbox-friendly treat, or something to enjoy with your morning coffee, this banana applesauce cake checks all the boxes. The bananas and applesauce work together to create an incredibly soft texture while adding natural sweetness and moisture to every bite.
Best of all, this easy snack cake comes together with simple pantry ingredients and can easily be adapted to fit different dietary needs. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again whenever you have a few ripe bananas on the counter.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Banana Snack Cake
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Moist and tender texture
- Made with bananas and applesauce
- Dairy-free
- Easy to make gluten free
- Perfect for lunchboxes and snacks
- Freezes beautifully
- Simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 2 squares dark melting chocolate or 1 cup chocolate chips
Ingredient Notes
Bananas
The riper the bananas, the better. Bananas with plenty of brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and create the moist texture that makes this cake so good.
Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness while helping keep the cake light and tender.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup sweetens the cake naturally and adds a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with banana and cinnamon.
Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed adds fiber and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
How to Make Healthy Banana Applesauce Snack Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the avocado oil and maple syrup until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the mashed banana, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground flaxseed.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and allow the chocolate to set before slicing.
Gluten-Free Option
This recipe can easily be made gluten free by replacing both flours with 1½ cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes before baking so the flour can fully hydrate. If the batter seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk. The bananas and applesauce help keep the cake moist, making this recipe especially well suited for gluten-free baking.
Variations
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold ½ cup chocolate chips directly into the batter before baking.
Add Nuts
Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Add a Crumb Topping
Combine rolled oats, a little brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the batter before baking for a crunchy topping.
Skip the Chocolate
Leave off the drizzle and enjoy the cake as a simple breakfast or afternoon snack.
How to Store Banana Applesauce Snack Cake
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all all-purpose flour?
Yes. Replace the whole wheat flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. The cake is naturally dairy free as written. Simply use dairy-free chocolate for the topping if needed.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best flavor, sweetness, and moisture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. This cake freezes well for up to 2 months and makes a great make-ahead snack.
Healthy Banana Applesauce Snacking Cak
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Topping
- 2 squares dark melting chocolate or 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the avocado oil and maple syrup until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the mashed banana, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground flaxseed.
- Step 4: Make the Batter
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Step 6: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake and allow the chocolate to set before slicing.
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