Knowing the best applesauce substitute in baking will ensure you're always able to make your favorite sweet treats. If you run out of applesauce or want to try something different, there are many options you can use instead. Substitute a cup of applesauce in quick bread and other desserts with other fruit, nut butter, fats, vegetables, or dairy products. These options can take the place of applesauce and are easy to find and use.
The role of applesauce in baking
Applesauce is usually a substitute itself in baking and is used for many different reasons. My oatmeal applesauce muffins are an excellent example of this.
Here are the reasons applesauce is used in baking.
When you understand why it's being used, you can choose the best replacement for whatever you're making.
Fat replacement: Apples provide an excellent alternative to fats like oils or butter. They can also take the place of eggs.
Provides moisture and consistency: Since apples are high in moisture content, they make baked goods soft and moist as well.
Longer shelf life: When you replace fats with applesauce, the added moisture keeps the dessert fresh even longer.
Healthy option: If you're looking to make your recipe healthier, applesauce is often used in place of fats. My mini bran muffins are an excellent example of a healthy muffin using applesauce.
Applesauce substitutes
There are various reasons why you may want to remove the applesauce in a recipe with something else.
You can use many different ingredients depending on what you're baking and the flavors you're looking to get.
Each one of these options has different characteristics like sweetness, consistency, varying sugar content, fiber, or nutrients.
If you're making banana bread and want to replace the applesauce, you can try peanut butter for flavor, pureed pears for similar consistency, or buttermilk for moisture.
Dairy
Dairy is a good substitute for applesauce because it's a good fat replacement and will make the dessert soft and moist.
Here are some options you can try:
- Regular or Greek yogurt
- Plain yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Sour cream
- Butter
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise
Fat
Applesauce is a great substitute for fat, so, naturally, subbing fat back in works well.
- Butter
- Vegetable oil
- Coconut oil
Fruit
Pureed fruit is an excellent applesauce alternative. Use a food processor or blender to puree any fruit you'd like to use.
You can also mash the fruit with a fork if it's especially soft.
- Mashed banana
- Mashed avocado
- Apples
- Pears
- Plums
- Pineapples
- Peaches
Pureed vegetables
Some vegetables are an excellent substitute for applesauce and make a moist final product.
You can blend them with an immersion blender or stand blender.
They are a healthy alternative and a great way to add nutrients to the dish.
- Zucchini
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Pumpkin puree
Honey
Honey has a mild flavor and is an easy way to add extra sweetness.
You can even reduce the sugar called for in the recipe if you use honey.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk has a fat content and a liquid consistency.
Coconut also has a mild flavor and provides a lot of moisture.
Nut butters
Nut butter has a different taste and creamy texture when added to your baked food.
They are high in protein and nutrients and have a natural sweetness so you can use less sugar.
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Cashew butter
Silken tofu
This popular ingredient in vegan dishes is the best way to replace the texture and consistency in your dish while keeping it vegan.
This healthier alternative is an excellent option for people with sensitivities to more common options.
What to look for when substituting applesauce in baking
Be sure to choose the right substitute based on what you're baking.
Look for ingredients with a hint of sweetness, smooth consistency, or high in nutrients.
Why substitute applesauce?
There are many reasons why you might need to use an applesauce replacement.
- You may be out of applesauce.
- Don’t like the texture or flavor of apples.
- Would rather use eggs or oil.
- You have food allergies or other health reasons.
- You’d like to try a different flavor in your baked goods.
Conclusion: Applesauce Substitute in Baking
These simple substitutions are excellent for making healthy recipes without applesauce.
The easiest way to choose which option is right for you is to look at your recipe and decide what characteristics you'd like to add.
The end result is the most important part of your baking experience.
Substituting applesauce is easy and a great way to alter your recipe.
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