Are you looking for the best applesauce substitutes in your baking recipe? Whether you are out of applesauce or want to try something different, several options can add flavor and texture to your baked goods. From mashed bananas to vegetable purees, many alternatives can work just as well as applesauce.
Best Applesauce Substitutes
One of the best substitutes for applesauce in baking is mashed bananas. Bananas are naturally sweet and can add moisture to your recipe, making them a great alternative to applesauce. Other fruit purees like peach and pear can also work well, depending on the recipe. Additionally, vegetable purees such as pumpkin and sweet potato can substitute applesauce, adding a unique flavor to your baked goods.
Plenty of options can provide similar texture and flavor if you’re looking for a substitute for applesauce in your baking or cooking. Here are some of the best applesauce substitutes that you can try:
Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas are an excellent apple sauce substitute, especially in baked goods like muffins and bread. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe. Use one mashed banana for every cup of applesauce called for in the recipe.
Bananas are my favorite while making pancakes. I don’t add eggs to pancakes; mashed bananas make moist and fluffy pancakes.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another versatile substitute for applesauce. It can be used in baking or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help promote gut health. Use one cup of Greek yogurt for every cup of applesauce called for in the recipe.
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is an excellent choice to substitute for applesauce. It provides a moistness to baked goods as applesauce does.
Use one cup of pumpkin puree for every cup of applesauce called for in the recipe.
Pear Sauce
Pear sauce is a lesser-known substitute for applesauce but works just as well. It has a similar texture and sweetness to applesauce. Use one cup of pear sauce for every cup of applesauce called for in the recipe.
Apricot Puree
The apricot puree is another substitute for applesauce that can add a unique flavor to your recipe. It has a sweet and tangy taste that can complement certain dishes. Use one cup of apricot puree for every cup of applesauce called for in the recipe.
Cranberry Puree
If you’re looking for a tart substitution, try using cranberry puree. Boil together one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one pound of cranberries until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. Allow it to cool before using it as an applesauce substitute in recipes.
Pureed vegetables
Pureed vegetables can also be used as a substitute for applesauce. Sweet potato or squash are two popular options. Simply roast in the oven or cook in boiling water until soft, and then mash until smooth before using.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be used as a substitute for applesauce in many recipes. For example, if baking cookies or muffins, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the recipe instead of applesauce. It will add a nutty flavor and extra moisture to the finished product.
Silken Tofu
This is a tremendous vegan-friendly option for applesauce substitution. Silken tofu is a creamy, custard-like product made from soybeans and can be used as an egg substitute in many recipes.
Blend one cup of soft silken tofu with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice before using it as an applesauce substitute.
How to Use Applesauce Substitutes
If you’re looking for a substitute for applesauce, you’re in luck. There are many options available, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are some tips on how to use applesauce substitutes in your cooking and baking:
Baking
When baking, choosing a substitute that will provide the same moisture and texture as applesauce is essential. Mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, and pureed prunes are all great options. Here’s a table comparing the nutritional information of these substitutes:
As you can see, some substitutes are higher in calories and sugar than others. Keep this in mind when choosing a substitute.
Cooking
You can use any of the substitutes listed above, like pureed sweet potato or avocado. These substitutes work well in recipes with applesauce as a binder or thickener. Here’s a list of some popular cooking substitutes:
- Pureed sweet potato
- Pureed avocado
- Mashed cauliflower
- Buttermilk
- Greek yogurt
Snacks
Applesauce is a popular snack for both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try one of these substitutes:
- Sliced apples
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Rice cakes with almond butter
- Greek yogurt with honey
Tips for Using the Best Applesauce Substitutes
You should keep a few things in mind when using applesauce substitutes to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your applesauce substitutes:
Measuring
When substituting applesauce in a recipe, measuring the substitute accurately is important. Use the same amount of substitute as you would applesauce. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of applesauce, use one cup of your chosen substitute.
Storage
Applesauce substitutes can be stored in the same way as applesauce. If you have a leftover substitute, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze your substitute in an airtight container for up to three months.
Flavor Enhancements
While many applesauce substitutes can be used as a one-to-one replacement for applesauce, some may benefit from additional flavor enhancements. Here are some ideas to try:
- Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your substitute to give it a warm, spicy flavor.
- Vanilla: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your substitute to give it a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your substitute to give it a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Following these tips, you can successfully substitute applesauce in your recipes and achieve delicious results.
Applesauce Substitute for Oil in Baking
When baking, oil is a common ingredient that provides moisture and texture to the final product. However, applesauce can be a great substitute if you are looking for a healthier alternative. Here’s how you can use applesauce instead of oil in your baking recipes:
- Replace half of the oil with applesauce: You can start by swapping out half of the oil in the recipe with applesauce. For example, if the recipe calls for a cup of oil, add 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 cup of applesauce. This will help you achieve a healthier version of your favorite baked goods without compromising too much on texture and taste.
- Use the same amount of applesauce as oil: If you are feeling more adventurous, you can replace all of the oil with applesauce. Use the same amount of applesauce as the oil in the recipe. However, remember that this may have a slightly different texture and taste than the original recipe.
- Experiment with other substitutes: If you don’t have applesauce on hand or don’t like the taste, there are other substitutes you can try. Some popular options include mashed bananas, pureed pumpkins, and yogurt. Each of these substitutes has its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
Unsweetened Applesauce Substitute in Baking
When it comes to baking, unsweetened applesauce is a popular ingredient that adds moisture and natural sweetness to recipes. However, if you don’t have applesauce on hand or prefer not to use it, there are several substitutes that you can use instead.
One option is to use pureed fruits such as pears, peaches, or apricots. These fruits have a similar texture and sweetness to applesauce and can be used in equal amounts in recipes. Simply puree the fruit in a blender or food processor until smooth, and use it in place of applesauce.
Another option is to use yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. These dairy products add moisture and tanginess to recipes, similar to applesauce. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt or sour cream in equal amounts as you would applesauce.
If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, you can use mashed bananas or sweet potatoes as a substitute for applesauce. Use one medium mashed banana or 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes for every 1 cup of applesauce in a recipe.
Applesauce Substitute in Baking
When it comes to baking, applesauce is a popular ingredient that adds moisture, texture, and sweetness to baked goods. However, if you don’t have applesauce on hand or you’re looking for a healthier or different flavor option, there are several substitutes you can use.
Fruit Purees
Fruit purees are an excellent substitute for applesauce in baking. They add moisture, natural sweetness, and sometimes a unique flavor to your baked goods. Here are some of the best fruit purees to use as an applesauce substitute:
- Banana puree: Use 1 cup of mashed banana for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a sweet, tropical flavor to your baked goods.
- Peach puree: Use 1 cup of mashed peaches for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a delicate, floral flavor to your baked goods.
- Pear puree: Use 1 cup of mashed pears for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a subtle, sweet flavor to your baked goods.
Vegetable Purees
Vegetable purees are another option for substituting applesauce in baking. They add moisture and natural sweetness, but sometimes a different flavor than fruit purees. Here are some of the best vegetable purees to use as an applesauce substitute:
- Pumpkin puree: Use 1 cup of mashed pumpkin for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a warm, earthy flavor to your baked goods.
- Sweet potato puree: Use 1 cup of mashed sweet potato for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a sweet, nutty flavor to your baked goods.
- Greek yogurt: Use 1 cup of Greek yogurt for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor to your baked goods.
- Peanut butter: Use 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of milk for 1 cup of applesauce. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to your baked goods.
How do I substitute sugar for unsweetened applesauce?
To reduce sugar intake, substituting unsweetened applesauce for sugar in recipes can be a great option. Here are some tips to help you make the substitution:
- Start by trying a one-to-one replacement for the sugar. Depending on the recipe and the sweetness of your applesauce, you can increase that ratio to 1 1/2 parts applesauce for every part of sugar.
- Applesauce is a wet ingredient, and sugar is dry. This means you may need to adjust the other wet ingredients in your recipe to compensate for the additional moisture from the applesauce.
- You can replace up to two-thirds of the sugar with applesauce in heated sweet side dishes, cookies, brownies, and muffins. However, replacing only half the sugar with applesauce for cakes is best.
- If you’re unsure about replacing all the sugar with applesauce, experiment. Start by replacing just half the sugar with applesauce and see how the recipe turns out. You can always adjust the amount of applesauce in future batches.
- Applesauce has a naturally sweet flavor, so you may not need as much added sugar as you think. Taste the batter or dough before baking to see if it needs additional sweetness.
- Substituting applesauce for sugar may produce a slightly different texture or flavor in your baked goods.
Best Applesauce Substitutes for Eggs in Baking
Applesauce can be a great substitute for eggs if you want a vegan or egg-free alternative for your baking recipes. It’s easy to use and readily available in most grocery stores. Here’s how to use applesauce as an egg substitute in baking:
How to Substitute Applesauce for Eggs in Baking
To substitute applesauce for eggs in baking, replace each egg in the recipe with ¼ cup of applesauce. Here’s a quick conversion chart:
- 1 egg = ¼ cup applesauce
- 2 eggs = ½ cup applesauce
- 4 eggs = 1 cup of applesauce
It’s important to note that applesauce works best as an egg substitute in recipes that call for no more than three eggs per batch. Using too much applesauce can result in baked goods that are too soft or lose their shape.
Also, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/4 cup of Applesauce to make the baked product lighter. Fruit purees make the end product a bit denser, and baking powder helps in leavening and makes the product lighter.
Conclusion
Some of the best applesauce substitutes include mashed sweet potato, pureed apricots, and mashed bananas. These ingredients provide similar sweetness and moisture to your baked goods and can be used in various recipes.
If you want a dairy-free alternative, coconut or other non-dairy milk can be used instead of applesauce. Additionally, plain yogurt is a versatile substitute that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.