Applesauce Substitute
Are you out of applesauce or looking for an alternative? No problem! These five substitutes for applesauce in baking are easy to use, plant-based, and add delicious flavor to your favorite recipes. From mashed bananas and avocado to pureed fruit and dairy-free yogurt, there’s something for every taste. Give these a try, and never run out of applesauce substitute ideas again!
There must be a lot of people with an aversion to apples, because substituting applesauce is a common question. Most often, it’s an applesauce egg substitute in recipes.
The good news is it’s an easy thing to replace.
Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce is a common ingredient in many baked goods because it adds moisture and helps to sweeten the finished product. Here are ways you can use applesauce in baking:
- Fat Substitute — You can use applesauce instead of oil or butter in most baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, breads, and pancakes. Use applesauce in a 1:1 ratio with the oil. So, if your recipe calls for 1/3 cup of oil, you will use 1/3 cup of applesauce.
- Egg Substitute — Applesauce makes an excellent egg substitute in baked goods calling for 2 or fewer eggs. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg called for in the recipe. Note: If a recipe calls for 3 or more eggs, many egg alternatives may not be effective.
If you’re out of applesauce or looking for an alternative, there are several options to choose from.
Remember that these options may alter the finished product’s flavor, color, and texture. Experiment to find the combination that works best for your recipe.
Applesauce Substitute in Baking
You need an applesauce substitute in baking. Maybe you’re out or have an apple allergy. Whatever the reason, here are some options for substituting applesauce.
- Mashed bananas have a similar texture to applesauce and provide natural sweetness. Mash one ripe banana for every cup of applesauce. Note: mashed bananas add a different flavor to the finished product
- Pureed fruit can be used as a substitute for applesauce. Some excellent options include pureed pears (see recipe below), peaches, or plums. Many baby foods offer pureed fruit, making it easy to use in baking.
- Pumpkin puree is a 1:1 for applesauce in most recipes. Note: pumpkin adds an orange color and different flavor to the finished product
- Silken tofu can be whipped in a food processor and then use 1:1 for applesauce.
- Canned coconut milk can be sued 1:1 with applesauce. Shake the can before you open it to spread the fat evenly throughout.
- Vegan Mayo — Substitute an equal amount of vegan mayo for applesauce in baked goods.
Other Applesauce Replacements
Here are great substitutes for recipes calling for 1/4 cup of applesauce or less:
- Mashed avocado — If your recipe calls for 1/4 cup or less of applesauce, mashed avocados will be a good substitute. Avocado adds moisture and creaminess but no added sweetness. Note: avocados will add a green color to the finished product.
- Yogurt — Use dairy-free greek yogurt as a substitute for applesauce in recipes that call for a small amount of applesauce (1/4 cup or less). Note: yogurt adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the finished product.
- Mashed sweet potato adds moisture and a slightly sweet flavor to the finished product.
- Buttermilk — When you’re making pancakes or muffins, using vegan buttermilk as an applesauce replacement works well. It works best in recipes that call for 1/2 cup of applesauce or less.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What does applesauce do in baking?
Applesauce adds moisture to baked goods with minimal added fats. There are also natural sugars in apples that add hints of sweetness to your baked goods. That means most recipes that call for applesauce will reduce the amount of granulated sugar.
What can I substitute for applesauce in cake?
Other options can deliver moisture and sweetness to the mix when you don’t have applesauce on hand for your cake. Plant-based yogurt, fruit puree, and even mashed banana are all viable substitutes that can be used in place of applesauce.
Recipes that Use Applesauce
Use your favorite applesauce alternative in any of these recipes:
As you can see, there are many options you can use in place of applesauce in your baking and cooking. Experiment with different options to find the one that works best for you.
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Applesauce Replacement: Pear Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pears peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low heat.
- Stir and then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pears are tender.
- Transfer the pears to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Transfer to lidded mason jars and let it come to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate. The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- The pear sauce can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers where it will keep for up to 2 months.
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Notes
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.