• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Sweet Precision
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Baking Tips

    Applesauce Substitute In Baking

    Published: September 17, 2022 · Last Updated: September 16, 2022 by Heather · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    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.

    applesauce in a glass jar with apple garnish.

    Jump to:
    • The role of applesauce in baking 
    • Applesauce substitutes 
    • Dairy
    • Fat
    • Fruit
    • Pureed vegetables
    • Honey 
    • Coconut milk
    • Nut butters
    • Silken tofu  
    • What to look for when substituting applesauce in baking 
    • Why substitute applesauce? 
    • Conclusion: Applesauce Substitute in Baking 

    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.

    closeup of two miniature bran muffins stacked on top of each other

    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.

    « Fuji vs Gala Apples
    Cherry Coffee Cake »

    Reader Interactions

    I answer all questions! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Image of blog creator Heather standing outdoors.

    Hi, I'm Heather!
    I am a wife and mother, baker, photographer, blogger, and cupcake lover. I've been baking from a young age. With my easy-to-follow recipe ideas, you can create delicious desserts in your home kitchen! Let's get started baking!

    More about me →

    Trending Right Now

    • Cherry Coffee Cake
    • Chewy Meringue Cookies with Blackberry Jam
    • S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Apple Praline Cake
    • Almond Cranberry Cake
    • Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with Bourbon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Meet Heather
    Recipe Index

    Newsletter

    Newsletter Signup

    Contact

    Contact Heather
    Privacy Policy

    COPYRIGHT © 2023 MY SWEET PRECISION