Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet and savory dishes, as well as in baking recipes.
While it is widely available in stores, there are times when you may not have any on hand, or Maybe you’re allergic to apples or don’t like the taste of them, or you may be looking for a healthier Substitute for Applesauce.
Whatever the reason, there are a few options that make good substitutes for applesauce. Here are some ideas for applesauce substitutes that you can use in your cooking.
What is applesauce, and What does applesauce do in baking?
Applesauce is an inexpensive and multipurpose ingredient that can be used in baking as an alternative to butter, margarine, or oil. It gives moisture and sweetness to baked goods while also reducing the amount of fat and calories.
Applesauce has a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower other flavors like butter or sugar do.
It can be used in cakes, muffins, quick bread, cookies, and pies.
To substitute applesauce for fats in baking recipes, utilize the same amount called for in the recipe but reduce the liquid by ¼ cup per cup of applesauce used.
For example: if the recipe demands 1 cup of butter, use ¾ cup of applesauce and reduce the liquid by ¼ cup. Applesauce is also a great way to add flavor to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
It can be utilized as a topping on waffles, pancakes, and French toast too. Enjoy!
Best substitutes for Applesauce
1. Applepureed – a healthy and versatile alternative for Applesauce
Apple pureed is the best substitution for applesauce. It is made by blending peeled and cored apples in a food processor or blender.
The puree has a thicker consistency than applesauce and can be utilized as an ingredient in many recipes, such as in baked goods, smoothies, and sauces.
Apple puree can also be used as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt.
For the best results, use ripe apples that are sweet and juicy. Macintosh or Honeycrisp apples work best for this purpose.
Add a small quantity of water to help break down the apples while blending them into a smooth puree.
You may also add other ingredients like cinnamon or nutmeg to give it flavor if desired.
To store the apple puree, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Apple puree is an easy, healthy, and versatile alternative to store-bought applesauce that adds natural sweetness and fiber to your recipes.
2. Apple butter
Apple butter is a favorably concentrated version of apple sauce. Its high concentration of sugar provides it a long shelf life. And also a great replacement for applesauce in baking goods.
Apple butter is made by simmering apples with sugar and spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves for several hours until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
Apple butter is taken on its own or utilized as an ingredient in pies, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods. Apple butter also makes a great topping for pancakes, waffles, toast, ice cream, and yogurt.
Combining sweet apples and warm spices creates a delectably sweet flavor that will sing your taste buds! Enjoy apple butter any time of the year to add some sweetness to your day.
So get creative in the kitchen and give apple butter a try today!
3. Mashed bananas
Bananas are a common ingredient in baking recipes, and they can also be utilized as a replacement for applesauce. When using mashed bananas as a substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
For example, if the recipe demands 1 cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of mashed bananas instead.
4. Mashed Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal, and they can also be used as a healthy substitute for applesauce.
Mashed sweet potatoes can be utilized in place of applesauce in many recipes, and they offer a number of benefits.
Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamins and minerals, and they have a naturally sweet flavor that can enhance the taste of many recipes.
They are also highly versatile, so they can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
The mashed sweet potato will add additional moisture to the recipe, so you may need to reduce the number of other liquids called for in the recipe.
When substituting mashed sweet potatoes for applesauce, simply utilize an equal amount of sweet potato puree.
With a little experimentation, you can easily find a way to incorporate mashed sweet potatoes into your favorite recipes.
5. Pureed fruit
Any type of pureed fruit can be used as a substitute for applesauce. This includes fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc. When using pureed fruit as a substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
One option is to use pureed fruit. This can be any type of fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, peaches, or plums. You can also use a combination of fruits.
If you use frozen fruit, thaw it first and then puree it. You may require to apply a little water to get the desired consistency.
6. Yogurt
Plain yogurt can be utilized as a substitute for applesauce in both sweet and savory recipes. When using yogurt as a substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
For instance, if the recipe demands 1 cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of plain yogurt instead.
7. Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree can be utilized as a substitute for applesauce in both sweet and savory recipes. When using pumpkin puree as a substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
For instance, if the recipe demands 1 cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of pumpkin puree instead.
8. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a fermented milk product that has a tangy, slightly acidic taste. It is created by adding bacteria to milk, which causes the milk to thicken and curdle.
Although buttermilk is often used in baking, it can also be utilized as a replacement for applesauce.
You can also add some spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give the recipe an extra boost of flavor.
When substituting buttermilk for applesauce, use an equal amount of buttermilk and add a bit of sugar to offset the tanginess.
So next time your recipe calls for applesauce, reach for the buttermilk instead and see how it transforms your favorite dish.
9. Apple Juice
Another option is to use juice as a substitute for applesauce. This works best with apple juice, but any type of juice can be used.
Just keep in mind that the flavor of the final product will be affected by the type of juice you use.
If you want a sweeter result, use apple or white grape juice. For a tart flavor, use cranberry or lime juice.
You can also add spices to your juice-based sauce to enhance the flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are all good options.
10. Substitute eggs for applesauce
When baking, applesauce can be used as a substitution for eggs. This is because applesauce has a similar consistency to that of eggs and can bind ingredients together in the same way.
Applesauce is also a good source of moisture, which can be helpful in keeping baked goods from drying out.
When substituting applesauce for eggs, it is important to use a ratio of one egg to one-quarter cup of applesauce.
Additionally, it may be necessary to increase the amount of baking powder or soda in the recipe to ensure that the finished product will rise properly.
With a little experimentation, anyone can successfully bake with applesauce instead of eggs.
11. Substitute oil for applesauce in brownies
To substitute oil for applesauce in brownies, start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated in the traditional recipe.
Grease an 8-inch-square baking pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder until fully combined.
Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and stir with a whisk until smooth. Beat in two eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Spread the combination evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before serving.
12. Mashed Avocado
Mashed avocado is a great substitution for applesauce because it has a similar consistency and can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
Avocado is also a suitable origin of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, whereas applesauce is mostly sugar.
When substituting avocado for applesauce, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe demands 1 cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of mashed avocado instead.
Start by mashing the avocado with a fork or potato masher until it reaches the desired consistency.
Then, add it to the recipe in place of the applesauce. The end result will be a delicious dish that is packed with nutrients.
13. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be used as a substitute for applesauce in baking recipes. When substituting peanut butter, utilize the same quantity of peanut butter that the recipe calls for in applesauce.
For example, if the recipe demands one cup of applesauce, use one cup of peanut butter instead.
Peanut butter is denser and thicker than applesauce, so it may not distribute evenly throughout the batter or dough.
To ensure even distribution, it’s best to melt the peanut butter before applying it to the batter. This will make it easier to mix into the other ingredients and create an even result when baking.
If you are concerned about flavor intensity, using a crunchy variety of peanut butter will help balance out sweeter flavors, such as those found in cakes and muffins.
It is also important to note that peanut butter will add a more prominent flavor than applesauce, so be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Lastly, when using peanut butter instead of applesauce, it is important to watch your baking time since the fat content of peanut butter is higher and will bake faster than those with applesauce. Enjoy!
14. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu can be used as a substitute for applesauce in recipes. To do this, simply blend the silken tofu until it is smooth and creamy, then use it to replace the applesauce called for in your recipe.
You may require to adjust the amount of liquid you add to the recipe depending on how much water is already present in your silken tofu.
Additionally, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can help give your dish an extra boost of flavor.
Experiment with different varieties of tofu to find one that best mimics the texture and taste of applesauce. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!
15. Coconut product
Coconut products can be a great substitute for applesauce. For example, you can use coconut cream or coconut milk to replace applesauce in recipes that call for it.
You can also use shredded, unsweetened coconut flakes as an alternative to mashed apples.
To make a simple substitution of coconut for applesauce, start by melting some coconut oil and adding the same amount of oil called for in the recipe.
Then measure out 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk or cream into the same cup used to measure out the melted oil and add it to your recipe.
If you are using shredded, unsweetened coconut flakes instead of mashed apples, mix them with 2 tablespoons of water for each cup of flakes and use the mixture as a replacement for applesauce.
So, Using coconut products instead of applesauce can give your recipes a delicious tropical twist.
You can also experiment with adding different flavors, such as vanilla, almond, or cinnamon, to your recipes for extra flavor.
FAQs on substitute for applesauce
Q1. Can I use oil instead of applesauce?
In many recipes, applesauce can be utilized as a healthy alternative to oil. However, there are some instances where oil is a better choice.
For instance, if you are searching for a moist cake or quick bread, applesauce will add moisture and sweetness without adding fat.
Oil, on the other hand, will make the cake richer and help it to rise more. If you are making a dish that already has a lot of fat, such as fried chicken, you may want to use oil instead of applesauce to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Finally, it is up to you to decide which ingredient will best suit your needs.