List Substitute for Applesauce in Baking, Muffins, Vegan

Originally posted on June 14, 2022 @ 11:07 am

When you think of baking, applesauce is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. However, there are many times when you might need a substitute for applesauce and not know what to use. In this blog post, we’ll explore some different substitutes for applesauce in recipes (egg, oil and butter). So whether you’re out of applesauce or just want to try something new, we’ve got you covered! Stay tuned for some delicious substitutions.

What Is Applesauce?

Applesauce is one of the versatile ingredients used in baking which can be used either as a main ingredient or as a substitute. It often takes the place of eggs and fats and what makes it a great substitute for the two is that with it comes equal measures of consistency and moisture.

Applesauce is used in recipes both for flavour and health reasons, in that as it brings the desired moisture to your pastries or whatever it is that you’re making, it equally tones-down unhealthy fats and calories. All in all, you can still switch it up with much ease being that there are a number of ingredients which can be used in its place as well.

Why Would You Want To Substitute Apple Sauce?

For a long time, applesauce has been used as a substitute on its own, meaning that substituting it can be simple or not, depending on the reason why applesauce made it to the list of ingredients in the first place. Some of the instances where one would choose to substitute applesauce are as follows:

• You’re looking for a change. If you have been using applesauce as a substitute for various baking needs, it’s also healthier to switch things up once in a while. This mostly applies to those who love trying new ideas so that they end up with different tastes for various occasions.
• You’re out of applesauce. You might have started the baking process before realizing that you actually ran out of applesauce and apples to make one for that matter. For such, finding a substitute is the best way to go, because luckily most of them are common in every household so you won’t miss something to try.
• You can’t stand applesauce. However healthy it is, applesauce doesn’t go well with everyone.  So in the event that you come across a recipe that highlights it as an ingredient, you don’t have to beat yourself up. You can substitute it and still end up with properly baked and healthy products. 

List Substitute for Applesauce in Baking, Muffins, Vegan

1. Applesauce Substitute in Baking

Apple Purees: If you’re out of applesauce and still want the same texture and flavour profile, pureed apples is the way to go. With the right food processer or blender, you can also have yours home-made to get a healthier substitute in that this time you’ll be using even the apples skins.

Pumpkin purees: It’s all about texture and consistency, and ingredients like pumpkins can get the process started. You can make this from a scratch or get the commercial options for those quick fixes.

Fruit Purees: You can still get that sweet and tasty flavour in your baked goods from fruit purees. The best way to know what’s right to use is tracing back to how applesauce is made. This means that the fruits you use should be able to give you the same results as apples once you have peeled and pureed them. Examples are pears, apricots and raspberries.

Oil or Butter: As mentioned, applesauce is mostly used to replace fats when baking, meaning that when you run out of apples or applesauce, you can still use regular oil or butter. In some instances, you might have to use either of these together with some applesauce substitutes so that you get the right texture.

2. Applesauce Substitute in Muffins

Mashed vegetables: You can use your vegetable purees and mashed vegetables to match the health benefits of applesauce. However, being that muffins deserve all the sweetness that comes with them, sweet potatoes is the most preferred option. With the right hint of sweetness, they also feature fibers which are great for your digestion tract. All you have to do is boil them and mash to your desired texture and consistency.

Dairy products: Dairy products also work great in place of applesauce especially in instances where you’re toning-down some calories. Muffins can go well with products like yoghurt, cheese, buttermilk and sour cream. You can pick from this range of ingredients depending on your desired flavour, whether it’s sweet or tangy.

3. Applesauce Substitute in Vegan Baking

Tofu: Tofu on its own is food consumed by most vegans, and the same is ideal for baking. It’s simple to make, and all you have to do is coagulate soy milk then you press the curds to get blocks. You can control the consistency ranging from silken to extra firm by controlling the amount of pressure you use in the process. However, it tends to be dense compared to applesauce, so only use it if you prefer dense baked products.

Coconut Products: If you happen to be both vegan and lactose intolerant at the same time and want to use oil or milk in your baking, coconut products are the closest options you have. Coconut milk and oil carry with them rich minerals and vitamins and will also give you the perfect creamy texture and flavour in the baked products.

4. Applesauce Substitute for Egg, Oil

When baking, you can use applesauce as a substitutes for eggs, oil. This will make your baked goods vegan and will also add moisture. Simply replace each egg in the recipe with 1/4 cup (60ml) of unsweetened applesauce.

If you don’t have any applesauce on hand, you can also use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree as substitutes. These will also add moisture and sweetness to your baked goods. Simply replace each egg in the recipe with 1/4 cup (60ml) of either mashed bananas or pumpkin puree.

So there you have it! Three easy substitutes for eggs that will work perfectly in most baking recipes.

Tips on Using the Replacement for Applesauce in Recipes

Picking the right substitute for applesauce at any particular moment traces back to the reason why the recipe calls for applesauce and also the reasons why you’re substituting it in the first place. Here are some general tips to help guide your pick:

• Substituting applesauce for vegans: If you had been using applesauce because you’re vegan, your choices are limited because with that you can’t go back to dairy substitute options. That way, you have to go the fruits way or go natural with coconut oil, coconut milk or tofu.
• Substituting applesauce for health reasons. For others, it’s all about the flavour, but to some there’re compelled to us applesauce so as to eliminate fats. This means that the substitute you pick has to be equally healthier. Other than fruit purees, you can also go for vegetable purees and natural dairy products depending on the recipe at hand.

Applesauce FAQS:

1. How do I make applesauce?

There are many recipes for making applesauce, but the basic method is to cook apples until they are soft, then puree them.

2. What kind of apples should I use for applesauce?

The type of apple you use is up to you, but some favorites include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious.

3. Can I add other ingredients to my applesauce?

Yes! Some popular additions include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can also add sweeteners like sugar or honey to taste.

4. How do I store applesauce?

Applesauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

5. What are some other uses for applesauce?

In addition to being a delicious snack or side dish, applesauce can also be used in baking recipes as a healthy alternative to oil or butter. It can also be used as a natural sweetener in smoothies or yogurt.

Conclusion

No matter what your needs are, there is always something viable to use as a substitute for applesauce. The better part is that most of these options can be home-made or commercially outsourced, meaning that you’ll still have the chance to turn the recipe around, just as you would with applesauce.