From cupcakes to latkes, put this naturally sweet ingredient to good use all year long! Whether you want to make it yourself or sneak it into baked goods, here are all the tips and recipes you need to cook with applesauce.
What Is Applesauce?
The name pretty much gives it away—applesauce is nothing more than a sauce made of apples. It can be cooked with just about any variety like Gala or Granny Smith, flavored with spices like cardamom, or sweetened with honey.
How to Make Applesauce
Making your own applesauce is almost as simple as opening up a jar, and it’ll taste like the inside of an apple pie! Try a DIY approach with this basic recipe to get you started. Once you know the method, the sky’s the limit! Spice things up with nutmeg, or sweeten your batch with maple syrup.
Simple Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 2-inch chunks
⅓ cup water
2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or sugar)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
Place diced apples, water, sweetener, and cinnamon in a large stainless steel saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and beginning to fall about, about 20 minutes.
Off heat, use a potato masher to create a chunky texture. For a smoother version, blend it in a food processor. Add the lemon juice, then taste and adjust for seasonings, if necessary. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
How to Use Applesauce
We’ve got a bushel full of apple-inspired ideas! Here’s our list of favorite ways to use applesauce.
Use Applesauce as an Egg Substitute
Using applesauce as an egg substitute will make baked goods extra moist. To make the switch, try ¼ cup applesauce for every egg a recipe calls for.
Use Applesauce as a Fat Substitute
Making a batch of muffins or cupcakes that call for oil or butter? Use applesauce instead with a 1:1 ratio.
More Creative Uses for Applesauce
- Spread applesauce on a slice of toast
- Swirl a spoonful into oatmeal
- Serve it over ice cream (homemade applesauce is ideal!)
- Mix it with a mac and cheese sauce
- Add it to savory recipes like slow-roasted carnitas
- Use as part of the wet mix for pancake batter
- Open a baked potato and stuff it with applesauce, chives, and sour cream for a deconstructed latke
Applesauce Q&A
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got apple-inspired answers.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
If you go the DIY route, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze applesauce for up to 1 month.
Can dogs eat applesauce?
According to Rover.com, applesauce is a great treat for dogs in moderation. Treat applesauce like a snack, and keep an eye on your pup’s digestion to be sure the fruit doesn’t upset his stomach.
Is applesauce good for you?
It can definitely be part of a wholesome diet. Applesauce has nutrients like dietary fiber and vitamin C.
How do you make applesauce for a baby?
It’s no different than applesauce for adults! (See our easy recipe above). Try it chunky or smooth, and see which style your baby prefers. You can also mix in other flavors, like pear, or begin introducing spices like cinnamon.
Is applesauce Paleo?
It depends. Some conventional applesauce contains added sweeteners, which is a Paleo no-go. However, if you make your own batch, apples are Paleo-friendly so you can incorporate it into your diet.
Recipes Using Applesauce
Time to put your applesauce to work—we’ve rounded up eight delicious recipes that’ll rev up your taste buds.
Apple Cider Donuts
Homemade donuts are always a special treat, and with this vegan and gluten-free batter, you can bake up a batch once a week if you want (we won’t judge). A scoop of applesauce keeps every bite moist and protein powder will help keep you full.
Vegan Fig Carrot Cake
The alternative flour train is leaving the station, so hop aboard with cassava! This grain-free, Paleo-friendly starch can be used as a 1:1 sub in your favorite recipes. This cake is spiced with nutmeg and cloves, and subs in applesauce for butter.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Cakes
This baked breakfast is ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for layering with yogurt and fruit. Applesauce works as a binder, and vanilla, maple, and spices sweeten it up.
Banana Bread With Applesauce
We love this moist banana bread for a quick breakfast, easy snack, or lunch treat. Mash up bananas with applesauce and stir it up with other pantry ingredients like baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon for a quick bread you’ll make on the regular.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Get your chocolate fix with these gluten-free and vegan cupcakes complete with cocoa powder, quinoa flour, applesauce, and almond milk in the batter. The sweet potato frosting is extra creamy!
Chai Granola Oats
Hello, make-ahead breakfast! Get your chai on with a batch of these overnight oats. Mix everything up the night before (like rolled oats, chia seeds, honey, applesauce, and spices) so your first meal of the day will be ready when you are.
Spinach Cake Muffins
These wholesome muffins have hidden green spinach inside, quinoa, applesauce, and oat bran. Make a batch on Sunday for breakfasts throughout the week!
Sweet Potato Latkes
This classic dish gets an upgrade with flavorful sweet potatoes and herbs like rosemary and chives. Serve them with a dollop of applesauce on the side.
