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5 Top Applesauce Substitutes for Baking

From homemade sauces to powders, there is something new all the time. But there is one tasty option most don’t know about. Applesauce. The question we get most is for a suitable substitute for applesauce for intolerance, the taste of it, or hate the store-bought versions. Well, I’ve listed several of the best applesauce substitutes, like pumpkin puree, sweet potato mash, Greek yogurt, and silken tofu. Everything from tips, tricks, and ratios, I have it here!

What is Applesauce?

Applesauce is made from a single or blend of apple varieties, typically cored, peeled, or unpeeled, before cooking and mashing to create the iconic sauce. The light sweetness and tartness combined give applesauce its delightful taste. They pack a substantial apple flavor, with a hint of sweetness balanced by a light acidity, similar to pepper jelly

Health Benefits of Applesauce

Like the many health benefits of apples, applesauce is stuffed full of goodness. It’s equally high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, and high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which help reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Canned applesauce brands also vary. When purchasing, make sure to pick out an all-natural, unsweetened one with no more than 2 ingredients. If you’re used to applesauce with a more complex taste, read the label to see how much sugar or what additives it may contain. The applesauce should also be refrigerated once opened and used.

How to Make Applesauce

To prepare homemade applesauce, begin by choosing ripe, unblemished apples and peeling, coring, and slicing them into small pieces. Place the apple pieces in a large pot, covering them with an adequate amount of water. Introduce sweeteners like sugar, honey, or maple syrup, along with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, to enhance the flavor.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes until the apples are soft. After cooking, allow the pot to cool briefly before using a blender or food processor to puree the mixture to your preferred consistency. You can transfer the applesauce into jars or containers and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

How to Use Applesauce

Versatile Snack: Unsweetened applesauce, once a familiar healthy snack, now reveals its versatility in various kitchen recipes.

Standalone Snack: Enjoy it on its own for a wholesome and healthy snack.

Meal Accompaniment: Pair it with grilled meat and vegetables to elevate the nutritional value of your meal.

Baking Ingredient: Incorporate applesauce in baking for both its taste and sweetness; it serves as a substitute for eggs and fat, providing moisture while reducing overall calories and fat content.

Culinary Applications: Enhance consistency, flavor, and texture in sauces, salad dressings, and glazes with the addition of applesauce.

Grilling Companion: Explore unconventional pairings by serving apple sauced chicken for a unique flavor combination.

5 Best Applesauce Substitutes

So, what’s a good stand-in for applesauce? Well, the best applesauce substitute is apple purée, but otherwise, any of these subs will do depending on the role it will perform in your recipe.

Homemade Applesauce

Instead of buying canned or bottled applesauce, why not make it yourself? It’s really simple to make, and all you need are several apples and a high-powered blender. It’s essentially puréed apples with some added liquid and lemon juice. You can add flavorings if you wish, but most let their natural flavor shine with no added sugar. 

Sugar, honey, and agave nectar can all be used to enhance the sugar content of applesauce. To make this switch, simply core an apple, skin on in a high-speed blender, and use the purée in a 1:1 ratio. Use this as a substitute for applesauce in all cooking or baking.

homemade applesauce cake

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin purée is peeled, cooked pumpkin mashed to a fine pulp, much like applesauce. While different in texture from the chunkier version, it can also pose as a stand-in for the sauce. Using this as an alternative to applesauce in baked goods can provide a similar consistency but with a completely different taste profile.

If the change from apples to pumpkin is fine by you, use it in a 1:1 ratio and add a sweetener if needed to enhance the taste of your baked goods. Also, look out for an option without preservatives or artificial flavors. This will keep your pick healthier than it normally would be.

Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potato mash is made by peeling, baking, and then blending sweet potatoes. Depending on the harvest and variety of the sweet potatoes, they can approximate the sweetness of applesauce, albeit without the tartness.

Like other vegetable purées, sweet potato mash is a nutrient-rich alternative for applesauce in muffin or cake recipes. Just note that it doesn’t perform well when replacing fat in baked goods. To use as a substitute for applesauce, thin out the mashed sweet potatoes with a little water and use in a 1:1 ratio. Add a squeeze of lemon to replicate the tartness of the sauce, if desired.

greek yogurt

Greek Yogurt

Greek-style yogurt is made by straining out the extra whey in regular yogurt. Also known as concentrated or strained yogurt, this type is thicker, creamier, less sweet, and slightly tangier than regular yogurt. When a recipe uses applesauce in place of fat or eggs, this dairy product works as a great alternative.

It’s high in protein and other nutrients that add a satisfying undertone to baked goods. Add your yogurt in before the other liquids in a 1:1 replacement for applesauce. This way, you can adjust the liquid ingredients in the recipe and then compensate for the lack of sweetness by adding honey or agave syrup.

Silken Tofu

When a recipe calls for applesauce as a substitute for fat, silken tofu can be used. If you’ve never heard of it, silken tofu is undrained and un-pressed tofu. This block of tofu retains moisture, making it work well in recipes that require mixing and blending, similar to applesauce, such as in smoothies, puddings, dressings, and dips, and in baking muffins and cakes.

This vegan ingredient can work as a substitute for applesauce in recipes using a third cup of silken tofu for every half cup of fat called for. Keep in mind that the distinct soy taste will alter the flavor of the dish, so it will work best in chocolate-based or strongly fruity recipes.

FAQs

What can I use instead of applesauce in carrot cake?

You can use mashed bananas, pureed prunes, or pumpkin puree. You can also use yogurt or sour cream, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the tartness.

Is there a low-carb alternative to applesauce for keto-friendly baking?

You can use mashed avocado, pureed zucchini, or coconut cream as a low-carb alternative. You can even use almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour to make your recipes more keto-friendly.

Can Greek yogurt effectively replace applesauce in baking recipes?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for applesauce in baking recipes. Greek yogurt will add moisture and protein to your baked goods, and it has a tangy flavor that complements many recipes.

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