Baking Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Applesauce

Running out of applesauce in the middle of a baking spree is no joke.

We’ve been there, scrambling through the pantry.

You need that moist, sweet magic in your recipes, right?

Guess what? There are some pretty awesome swaps you can use.

And they might even make your baked goods tastier.

These alternatives? They’re easy to find and simple to use.

Plus, they could save your baking day big time.

What is Applesauce?

Applesauce is a type of food made from apples that have been peeled and cooked down into a soft, pulpy consistency.

It can be either sweet or savory, depending on the type of apples used and the other ingredients added.

Applesauce is a popular ingredient in many recipes, including pies, cakes, and even some savory dishes.

It can also be eaten as a healthy snack or side dish.

Applesauce is easy to make at home and can be a great way to use up extra apples from your garden or local farmers’ market.

Store-bought applesauce is also widely available and can be a convenient option for busy families.

Whether you make it yourself or buy it from the store, applesauce is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Applesauce

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to applesauce, you’ve come to the right place.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Pureed Apples	Sweet and mildly tart with a smooth texture	Use an equal amount of pureed apples as a substitute for applesauce
Pumpkin Puree	Creamy and slightly sweet with a hint of earthiness	Use an equal amount of pumpkin puree as a substitute for applesauce
Mashed Sweet Potatoes	Naturally sweet with a dense and creamy consistency	Use an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes as a substitute for applesauce
Mashed Banana	Sweet and creamy with a thick, smooth texture	Use an equal amount of mashed banana as a substitute for applesauce
Other Fruit Puree	Varies depending on the fruit used	Use an equal amount of other fruit puree (such as pear or peach) as a substitute for applesauce

When it comes to making healthy baking choices and finding substitutes for applesauce, consider these five options:

1 – Pureed Apples

Anyone who has ever made applesauce knows that the key to a good recipe is to start with suitable apples.

While any apple can be used, some varieties are better suited for pureeing than others.

For example, Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, making them ideal for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.

In contrast, Red Delicious apples are softer and sweeter, making them difficult to puree.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to mix different apple varieties to get the best flavor.

In addition to choosing suitable apples, it is essential to cook them properly.

Once the apples are peeled and cored, they should be simmered in a pot of water until they are soft enough to mash with a fork.

From there, the cooking process is simple: add sugar and spices to taste and enjoy your homemade applesauce.

Use an equal amount of pureed apples as a substitute for applesauce in your recipes.

2 – Pumpkin Puree

Pureed pumpkin is a popular ingredient in many fall recipes, from pies and bread to soups and sauces.

While fresh pumpkin puree is always best, it can be time-consuming to make from scratch.

Luckily, canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option that will give your dishes the same rich flavor and creamy texture.

When shopping for canned pumpkins, choose a product that contains only 100% pureed pumpkin, without any added sugars or spices.

For a classic fall dessert, try using it in place of sweetened condensed milk when making pumpkin pie.

Or get creative and use it as a base for a savory soup or curry.

Once you have your pumpkin puree, there are endless possibilities for what to do with it.

Use an equal amount of pumpkin puree as a substitute for applesauce to add a unique flavor profile to your baked goods.

3 – Mashed Sweet Potatoes

In a rush to get dinner on the table, many of us often reach for jarred applesauce as a shortcut when making sweet potatoes.

However, there is a simple and delicious way to make your sweet potato puree that can be used as a healthy and flavorful substitute for applesauce.

Start by roasting a few sweet potatoes in the oven until they are soft.

Then, mash them with a potato masher or an immersion blender and add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Season the puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other spices you like, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy topping for your sweet potatoes that is perfect for any night of the week.

Use an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes as a substitute for applesauce to add moisture and natural sweetness to your recipes.

4 – Mashed Banana

Who would have thought that something as simple as a mashed banana could be a versatile ingredient?

Not only can it be used as a healthy substitute for applesauce in baked goods, but it can also help bind ingredients together and add moisture.

As anyone who has ever tried to make a cake or muffins without applesauce knows, the results can be dry and crumbly.

But by using mashed banana instead, you can end up with a moist and delicious final product.

And because bananas are naturally sweet, you may even find that you can reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe.

Use an equal amount of mashed banana as a substitute for applesauce to add a fruity flavor and moistness to your baked goods.

5 – Other Fruit Puree

Other fruit purees, such as pear, peach, and plum, can also be used in recipes that call for applesauce.

Each of these fruit purees has its unique flavor that can add something special to a dish.

For example, pear puree can add sweetness and depth of flavor to savory pork dishes, while peach and plum purees are perfect for making pies and cobblers.

Depending on the recipe, you may need to add a little extra sugar or spice to balance out the flavors.

The key characteristics will vary depending on the fruit used. Use an equal amount of other fruit puree as a substitute for applesauce to experiment with different flavors in your recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applesauce is a great way to add sweetness and moistness to baked goods, but it can also be used in savory dishes and as a condiment.

If you don’t have applesauce on hand or are looking for a healthier alternative, there are several options available.

Just remember to choose a substitute that will complement the flavors in your dish.

These are just a few of the best substitutes for applesauce.

What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.