A soft, cinnamon-kissed banana loaf with a Southern twist — moist, nutty, and perfectly sweet for breakfast or dessert!
This Sweet Alabama Bread combines the warmth of cinnamon, the comfort of ripe bananas, and the subtle tang of applesauce to create a tender loaf that’s pure Southern goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of home — simple, comforting, and impossible to resist.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | Kid-Friendly | Southern-Inspired
✅ Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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½ cup vegetable oil (or neutral oil of choice)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but recommended)
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
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2 tbsp milk (any kind)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.
3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, applesauce, and milk until smooth and well blended.
4️⃣ Mix Together
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently stir until combined — a few lumps are okay! Fold in chopped nuts if using.
5️⃣ Bake the Bread
Pour batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy plain, toasted with butter, or spread with cream cheese for a true Southern treat.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Use overripe bananas — the darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
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For extra richness, swap half the oil for melted butter.
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If using nuts, toast them first for added depth of flavor.
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This loaf freezes beautifully — slice, wrap, and store for up to 3 months.
🌟 Introduction
This Sweet Alabama Bread is everything you love about classic banana bread — but with that Southern soul food touch. The applesauce adds moisture and tang, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy warmth to every bite.
It’s a perfect recipe for breakfast, gifting, or just brightening your afternoon with a cup of coffee. Think of it as banana bread with extra charm and a touch of Dixie sunshine. ☀️
🥣 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Blend the Heart of the South
Whisk your dry ingredients — this ensures even flavor and prevents clumping. The cinnamon and nutmeg create that signature “Alabama warmth.”
Step 2 – Whip the Wet Mix
Bananas, applesauce, and vanilla come together for natural sweetness and softness — no mixers needed!
Step 3 – Fold & Bake
Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined for that perfect, tender crumb. Bake until the top is golden and slightly cracked.
🌾 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
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Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber (reduce by ¼ cup).
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Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or brown sugar for deeper flavor.
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Applesauce: Keeps it moist without excess oil — can substitute with Greek yogurt or crushed pineapple.
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Bananas: Ripe bananas are key — even those speckled, overripe ones are perfect!
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Nuts: Pecans add classic Southern flavor, but walnuts or chocolate chips make great variations.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
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Serve warm with salted butter, honey drizzle, or a cream cheese spread.
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Pair with sweet tea, coffee, or even hot apple cider.
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For dessert, top slices with vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Room Temp: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate: Up to 1 week for extra freshness.
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Freeze: Up to 3 months — thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Slice, Approx.)
Calories: 235 | Carbs: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g
Dietary Highlights: Vegetarian | No Refined Oils (if using olive oil)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use almond milk or oat milk — the recipe works beautifully.
Q: Can I make muffins instead?
A: Absolutely — bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes or until golden and set.
Q: How do I make it more indulgent?
A: Add chocolate chips or a cinnamon streusel topping before baking!
❤️ The Story Behind the Recipe
Sweet Alabama Bread is inspired by the simple charm of Southern home baking — where ripe fruit, pantry staples, and a wooden spoon come together to create something special.
This recipe was born from a lazy Sunday morning and a bunch of spotted bananas — and quickly became a family favorite. It’s that kind of loaf that disappears slice by slice before it even cools completely.
💬 Join the Conversation
Tried this Sweet Alabama Bread?
Tag your photos with #SouthernBakesByYou and let us know — are you a butter-on-top person, or do you go all in with cream cheese spread? 🍌✨