The 5 Best Substitutes for Applesauce in Baking

Have you ever wondered how you can use applesauce in your baking adventures?

Applesauce is incredibly versatile – it can be used as a substitute for oil or butter in cakes, muffins, and brownies.

It adds moistness without the added calories.

But what happens if you don’t have any applesauce handy? Luckily there are plenty of other tasty substitutes that can fulfill the same purpose.

From pumpkin puree to mashed bananas, this article will show you the top 5 substitutes for applesauce in baking.

What Does Applesauce Do in Baking?

Applesauce is a popular baking substitute that originated from the practice of Native American peoples of stewing apples, then pressing them into a sauce.

It lends moisture and subtle sweetness to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and even muffins, providing a naturally sweet flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

Applesauce can also replace some of the fat in a recipe, lending texture without as much of calories.

When choosing applesauce for baking, look for unsweetened varieties since added sugars can alter the flavor and end results of your product.

To use it in recipes with ease, simply substitute an equal amount of applesauce for oil or butter and bake according to instructions – you’ll have delicious snacks that are loved by just about everyone.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Applesauce in Baking

If you’re looking for a substitute for applesauce in your baking, you have several options.

Here are the five best substitutes:

1 – Apple Puree

Apple puree is a smooth and spreadable version of applesauce, made from cooked apples and blended to create a velvety texture.

The taste is sweet, with apple undertones for a delicious, comforting flavor.

Best of all, apple puree can easily be substituted for applesauce in baking recipes for sweet or savory applications.

Making your own homemade apple puree is easy – simply stew some peeled apples in sugar water on the stovetop until tender, then blend and strain as necessary.

Enjoy this treat in muffins, cakes, or other baked goods.

2 – Mashed Bananas

Mashed bananas are a delicious snack or addition to breakfast that can also be used as an ingredient in baking.

They have a sweet, creamy flavor and a soft, buttery texture.

When using mashed bananas in place of applesauce in baked goods, you’ll need to reduce the amount of sugar and liquids you add to your recipe since bananas are naturally sweet and mashed easier than applesauce.

Mashed bananas can be mixed into pancake batter for extra sweetness or added to a loaf of banana bread for additional moisture.

With some experimentation and adjustment, these versatile fruits can easily be integrated into any baking recipe.

3 – Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a sweet twist on a classic side dish.

Their smooth and creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the vegetable, which yields a unique flavor experience in every bite.

Tossed seasonings such as cinnamon and nutmeg can give this dish an extra kick.

Mashed sweet potatoes even have uses beyond side dishes.

They can be used in place of applesauce when baking dishes such as muffins or quick bread.

With their natural sweetness, they lend just the right amount of subtle sweetness while providing added nutrients too.

4 – Pumpkin Puree

Nothing says autumn like the warm flavor of pumpkin puree.

This rich and thick, orange-colored puree makes baking pies, muffins and cakes come to life.

Its texture is similar to applesauce but with a sweet intensity that adds oomph to each bite.

With fall in full swing, this unique ingredient is an easy substitute for applesauce when baking pastries at home – just reduce the amount of sugar used if replacing all of the applesauce with pumpkin puree as it contains more sweetness.

Whenever you’re cooking your favorite dishes this season, don’t forget to add some pumpkin puree into the mix.

5 – Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado is a smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet alternative to the good old applesauce.

It’s a great way to enjoy the creamy taste of avocados without having to do too much work.

The texture becomes silky and luxurious when mashed, allowing it to blend nicely with other ingredients in baking recipes.

When substituting mashed avocado for applesauce, you can use a one-to-one ratio.

Make sure to adjust measurements as necessary depending on how large your avocados are – it might take more or less than the amount listed in a recipe.

Plus, don’t forget that using mashed avocado instead of applesauce provides additional nutrients like healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious and nutritious substitutes for applesauce in baking.

Apple puree, mashed bananas, mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, and mashed avocados are all great alternatives that can help to enhance the flavor of any dish.

Each offers a unique taste and texture that makes them special – so don’t be afraid to try out different combinations in your recipes.

With a bit of patience and experimentation, you can create amazing treats that everyone will love.