Looking for applesauce substitutes in baking? Learn how to swap applesauce seamlessly and create moist, delicious baked goods every time.
Applesauce is often used in baking for its natural sweetness and ability to add moisture to baked goods. It’s also a popular vegan alternative to eggs and butter.
However, there may be times when you need to substitute applesauce, either due to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or because it’s not available.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of twenty-one substitutes for applesauce in baking.
1. Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas provide a similar texture to applesauce and bring their natural sweetness and moisture to your recipes. They might, however, lend a noticeable banana flavor.
How to make it work: For each cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of mashed bananas. Ensure that your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a high-protein substitute that also adds moisture. It’s not as sweet as applesauce, so you might need to add more sugar to your recipe.
How to make it work: Replace each cup of applesauce with 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that the acidity of yogurt might activate baking soda or baking powder in your recipe.
3. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree adds a unique flavor and moisture to baked goods. Its texture is very similar to that of applesauce.
How to make it work: Use 1 cup of pumpkin puree for each cup of applesauce. Note that pumpkin puree is not as sweet as applesauce, so consider adding extra sweeteners.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is an excellent source of moisture in baking. However, it lacks the sweetness and thickness of applesauce.
How to make it work: For each cup of applesauce, substitute 1 cup of buttermilk. You may need to adjust the amount of dry ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
5. Sour Cream
Sour cream adds tanginess and moisture to baked goods. It’s also a good binder, similar to applesauce.
How to make it work: Substitute 1 cup of sour cream for each cup of applesauce. It might make your baked goods denser due to its thicker consistency.
6. Pureed Prunes
Pureed prunes provide a similar texture and natural sweetness to applesauce. They might, however, darken the color of your baked goods.
How to make it work: Replace each cup of applesauce with 1 cup of prune puree. To make prune puree at home, blend equal parts of prunes and water until smooth.
7. Avocado Puree
Avocado puree is rich in healthy fats and provides a creamy texture to your baked goods. Its flavor is rather mild but can be slightly noticeable.
How to make it work: For each cup of applesauce, substitute 1 cup of avocado puree. It’s best to puree the avocado first for a smoother texture.
8. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a rich and creamy substitute that can provide moisture and a hint of tropical flavor to your baked goods.
How to make it work: Replace each cup of applesauce with 1 cup of coconut cream. Coconut cream might make your baked goods denser, so you might need to adjust your cooking time.
9. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a great choice for vegan baking. It provides a neutral flavor and a smooth texture which makes it a good binder.
How to make it work: Blend the silken tofu until smooth and use 1/4 cup per 1 cup of applesauce. Tofu isn’t sweet, so you might need to add more sugar.
10. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and protein to your baked goods. It’s a lighter option and may change the texture of your baked goods.
How to make it work: Substitute 3/4 cup of ricotta cheese for each cup of applesauce. It’s less sweet than applesauce, so you may need to add extra sugar to balance the taste.
11. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes can provide a similar texture to applesauce and add a unique flavor. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins.
How to make it work: Use 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes for each cup of applesauce. Ensure the sweet potatoes are well mashed for a smooth texture.
12. Honey
Honey can be a sweet and flavorful substitute for applesauce in baking, but it will make your baked goods denser.
How to make it work: Replace each cup of applesauce with 3/4 cup of honey. Since honey is sweeter than applesauce, you may need to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
13. Mashed Pears
Mashed pears bring a similar texture and a bit of sweetness, which makes them a suitable substitute for applesauce in baking.
How to make it work: Use 1 cup of mashed pears for each cup of applesauce. Choose ripe pears for the best flavor and texture.
14. Oil
A variety of oils can substitute for applesauce to provide moisture. However, they lack the sweetness of applesauce.
How to make it work: Substitute each cup of applesauce with 1/2 cup of oil. This could be vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil.
15. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise might seem like an odd choice, but it can add a great deal of moisture to your baked goods. This is because it contains oil and eggs.
How to make it work: For every cup of applesauce, use 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. Be aware that using mayonnaise might change the flavor of your baked goods slightly.
16. Almond Butter
Almond butter provides healthy fats and protein, similar to applesauce. Its flavor is noticeable but pleasant.
How to make it work: Use 3/4 cup of almond butter for each cup of applesauce. You might want to reduce the amount of other fats in the recipe, as almond butter is quite rich.
17. Mashed Zucchini
Mashed zucchini can add moisture and a subtle flavor to your baked goods. It’s an excellent low-calorie and nutritious substitute.
How to make it work: Substitute 1 cup of mashed zucchini for each cup of applesauce.
Remember to squeeze out any excess water from the zucchini to prevent your baked goods from becoming soggy.
18. Quark
Quark is a type of fresh cheese that is similar to yogurt and sour cream. It’s creamy and has a subtle flavor, making it a good substitute for applesauce.
How to make it work: Replace each cup of applesauce with 3/4 cup of quark. It might make your baked goods denser, so you may need to adjust your cooking time.
19. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a vegan sweetener that can provide moisture and sweetness similar to applesauce. However, it is a liquid sweetener and will change the consistency of your batter.
How to make it work: Use 3/4 cup of agave nectar for each cup of applesauce. Remember to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to maintain a balanced batter consistency.
20. Mashed Butternut Squash
Mashed butternut squash provides a similar texture to applesauce and also adds a unique, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor to your baked goods.
How to make it work: Use 1 cup of mashed butternut squash for each cup of applesauce. Make sure the squash is well mashed to ensure a smooth texture.
21. Pureed Beetroot
Pureed beetroot is a healthy and colorful substitute for applesauce. It adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor to your baked goods. But it also imparts a beetroot color on your baked goods.
How to make it work: For every cup of applesauce, use 1 cup of pureed beetroot to maintain a similar consistency.
It’s advisable to strain the beetroot puree to remove any lumps that might alter the texture of your baked goods.
With these 21 substitutes, you have an array of options to replace applesauce in your baking.
Whether you’re looking for vegan, low-fat, high-protein, or simply a different flavor profile, there’s something on this list that can meet your baking needs.
Each of these substitutes comes with its own unique characteristics, which can add a new twist to your usual recipes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different options to discover your favorite substitute for applesauce in baking.
The Takeaways
Substituting applesauce in baking doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With a plethora of substitutes available, you can easily switch things up based on your dietary needs, the ingredients you have on hand, or simply to try something new.
Mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin puree are some popular choices due to their similar texture and moisture content.
Pureed fruits and vegetables like prunes, avocados, and sweet potatoes provide added nutritional benefits, while dairy products like buttermilk and sour cream lend a tangy flavor and creamy texture to your baked goods.
The typical substitution ratio is to use an equal amount of the substitute as the applesauce called for in the recipe.
However, depending on the substitute, adjustments might be necessary, particularly when it comes to the sweetness level and the liquid content of the substitute.
Remember, baking is as much an art as it is a science.
Feel free to experiment with these applesauce substitutes, and don’t be afraid to adjust your recipes as needed to achieve your desired result.
Happy baking!
