Today we are here to talk about the best applesauce substitutes. Applesauce is a vital ingredient in baking, especially vegan and vegetarian baking. It provides a lot of moisture to most products and helps them hold their shape. 

However, there can be times when you run out of this extremely versatile and healthy ingredient. In that case, don’t fret too much! You can easily use a substitute with similar health benefits in baking! This article will help you with the best applesauce substitutes. 

So I am sure you must be wondering, what are the best applesauce substitutes? The best applesauce substitutes are pear puree, peach puree, apricot puree, mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, butter, yogurt, and silken tofu. 

However, before we start discussing the best applesauce substitutes, let me tell you a little more about applesauce itself. This will definitely make it easier for you to pick your substitute.

Quick Peek: Applesauce

This section has all the information you need on applesauce. You will know what the ingredient is, its flavor and texture profile, uses, and nutritional information. So, let us discover applesauce together!

What Is Applesauce?

Applesauce is a relish made from apples that have been stewed with water or apple cider. You can make it with both peeled as well as unpeeled apples. It may be spiced or sweetened, depending upon the type of recipe it is being prepared for. 

Usually, the apples for applesauce are selected based on the sweetness or tartness preferred in a recipe. Formerly, sour varieties of apples were selected to make applesauce for savory recipes. Sour apples with higher acidity render a finer puree. 

Applesauce usually has various spices added, such as cinnamon and allspice, for added flavor. Moreover, the addition of an acidic agent is to help preserve the applesauce for a longer period. Applesauce is easily available commercially in supermarkets. 

Describing Applesauce: Flavor And Texture

The texture of applesauce can be best described as a liquid with an extremely thick consistency. The applesauce may be slightly chunky or completely smooth, depending on whether it has been blended into a smooth paste. 

When we talk about the flavor of applesauce, it has a primary flavor of apples. The sweetness or sourness of the applesauce generally depends on whether it contains added sugar and the type of apples used to make it. 

Uses Of Applesauce

While applesauce is definitely used for baking, it does have various other uses beyond that. However, it is most extensively used in baking. Hence, here we will talk about its uses, particularly baking.

In baking, applesauce generally works as a great fat replacement. It prevents baked products from getting rubbery. Moreover, applesauce provides a lot of moisture to baked products due to its water content. 

It improves the shelf life of baked goods and is also a healthy option compared to various fats. It can be used in place of fat in recipes such as cakes, muffins, cookies, and even bread. 

Applesauce On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope

As you already may have guessed, applesauce is definitely a very healthy ingredient, as it is made with very healthy apples. Usually, a cup of applesauce contains around 103 calories with various vital nutrients. 

Applesauce is rich in fibers, carbohydrates, and natural sugars. Moreover, it has various vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and B6. It also has various minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 

Why Use A Substitute For Applesauce?

I am sure you must be riddled with this question right now. Why even use a substitute for an ingredient that is naturally so healthy? While there are many reasons to use applesauce, there are a few reasons why you can consider using a substitute. 

To start off, if you are a vegan or vegetarian but don’t like the flavor of apples in your baked goods, a substitute can definitely come in handy. While applesauce may not impart a very strong flavor, it does give an aftertaste of apples to baked goods. 

This might not be preferred by all. In this case, a substitute with a more neutral flavor can definitely come in handy. Moreover, if you cannot find unsweetened applesauce, a fruit or vegetable puree with no added sugar can work equally well. 

I think I have given you enough information on applesauce. Now, let me introduce you to its various substitutes. The next section covers all of them. 

13 Best Applesauce Substitutes

This section has the best applesauce substitutes. Moreover, you will also understand how to use each substitute in place of applesauce. 

Fruit Based Applesauce Substitutes

1. Pear Puree

Pears have a very similar water content as apples and carry a neutral flavor. Pear puree can work as a great applesauce substitute in all baking recipes. 

Pear puree will provide moisture to all your baked products, similar to applesauce. It also carries a punch of flavor that is liked by many. Moreover, pear puree will also increase the shelf life of your baked products. 

Pear puree makes the best substitute for applesauce. As an applesauce substitute, it can be added to any recipe in a standard 1:1 ratio. However, make sure you use unsweetened pear puree. 

2. Apricot Puree

Apricots have a tangy flavor that works well in most baked recipes. Apricot puree can effectively be used as an applesauce substitute in various recipes. 

Apricot puree will provide moisture to your baked goods and increase their shelf life, similar to applesauce. Moreover, if you are looking for a change of flavor in your recipe, the apricot puree will definitely help with that. 

Apricot puree will give your baked goods a tangy flavor compared to the slightly neutral flavor of applesauce. You can use it as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. 

3. Peach Puree

Peaches again have a distinct flavor that works well in most baked recipes. Peach puree works as a great applesauce substitute in all recipes. 

Peach puree again provides a similar moisture level to all baked goods, just like applesauce. It makes a great replacement for fat in various recipes which require baking. 

Again, in case you are looking for a stronger flavor in your baked goods, the peach puree is definitely worth a try. You can use it as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1;1 ratio. 

4. Mashed Bananas

Bananas are again a very versatile ingredient when it comes to the baking world. They are packed with nutrients and moisture, making them a good applesauce substitute in all baking recipes. 

The best part about using bananas as an applesauce substitute is that they are ready to use. You just need to mash them, and you can use them straight away. However, make sure you use ripe or overripe bananas as an applesauce substitute. 

This is because as the banana gets ripe, it gets sweeter and packs more moisture. You can use mashed bananas as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. 

Vegetable Based Applesauce Substitutes

5. Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkins naturally pack a lot of moisture and are great in baked goods. Pumpkin puree works as an excellent substitute for applesauce in all recipes. 

Pumpkins are a very versatile ingredient when it comes to baking with them. Just as they are used to make pies, pumpkin puree, or even mashed pumpkins provide a very similar result when used as an applesauce substitute. 

Moreover, pumpkins are healthy, similar to apples. Hence, they work well as an applesauce substitute. You can use pumpkin puree as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. 

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are again a very versatile ingredient in the baking world. Mashed sweet potatoes work as an excellent substitute for applesauce in various recipes. 

Sweet potatoes would work well as an applesauce substitute, particularly in recipes where a little bit of density wouldn’t make much of a difference to the baked product. Moreover, make sure you bake the sweet potatoes before pureeing them. 

Mashed sweet potatoes work really well as a substitute in cake and muffin recipes as they would end up making cookies extremely dense. Use it as a substitute for applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. 

7. Avocados

Avocados are packed with natural fats that provide a lot of moisture to baked goods. Mashed avocados work as a great applesauce substitute in various recipes. 

Avocados make a great substitute option if you don’t mind a substitute with a slightly higher fat content. However, avocados are packed with fats that are good for the body, so this option is worth considering. 

Moreover, these fats will also add a great amount of moisture to your baked goods, similar to applesauce. They also make a good low sugar option. Avocados can be used as an applesauce substitute in a 1:1 ratio. 

Dairy-Based Applesauce Substitutes

8. Butter

Applesauce is often used as a substitute for butter in various baked goods. Hence, butter can be used as a substitute for applesauce in various recipes. 

The one downside of using butter as an applesauce substitute is that butter is very high in calories and fat compared to applesauce. However, the butter will provide a moist texture to all your baked goods. 

Moreover, butter will also give a great buttery flavor to your baked goods, which is almost irreplaceable. You can use butter as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. 

9. Yogurt

Yogurt is again often used as a substitute for yogurt in various recipes for baking. Hence, both plain and Greek yogurt make a great applesauce substitute in recipes for baked goods. 

Yogurt has a neutral flavor that makes it extremely versatile in baked recipes. Moreover, it adds a high amount of moisture to baked goods, similar to applesauce. Yogurt is also rich in various nutrients. 

While using yogurt as an applesauce substitute, remember that greek yogurt has a higher fat content and is thicker than plain yogurt. So, you will have to thin it down with some water. 

Using Greek yogurt as it is in a 1;1 ratio will make your baked good extremely dense. So, do remember to thin it down. Plain yogurt can be used as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. 

10. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that adds a lot of moisture to baked goods. It works well as a substitute for applesauce in all baked recipes. 

Using buttermilk as an applesauce substitute is essentially the same as using yogurt. However, buttermilk does have a sour taste that it imparts to various baked goods. So, in case you are not too fond of a sour flavor, you should avoid using buttermilk. 

You can generally use buttermilk as an applesauce substitute in a standard 1:1 ratio. However, make sure you adjust the quantities of various other wet ingredients in a recipe. 

Other Applesauce Substitutes

11. Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a great vegan alternative for applesauce in baking. It is a great substitute if you are looking for an option that is dairy-free and low in sugar content. 

Silken tofu has a lot of moisture. However, it is much denser compared to various other alternatives given in the article. So, it may work best in recipes where a little bit of a dense texture won’t make much of a difference. 

Silken tofu works well as a substitute and generally works well in recipes like bread and muffins. Adding silken tofu might also make your batter too dry, so make sure you add some extra water. Use silken tofu in a 1:1 ratio as an applesauce substitute. 

12. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another great vegan substitute option as a substitute for applesauce. It is low in sugar and works well as an applesauce substitute in various recipes. 

Canned coconut milk is usually thick and has a lot of added fat content. This fat is a type of healthy fat, similar to avocado. It adds a great amount of moisture to baked products. 

The one downside of using coconut milk is that it will impart a flavor of coconuts. However, if you aren’t bothered by that, you can easily use coconut milk as an applesauce substitute in a 1:1 ratio. 

13. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is packed with fat and provides a lot of moisture when used in baked goods. It works well as a substitute for applesauce in various recipes. 

Peanut butter will again give a denser product while used as an applesauce substitute. Moreover, it will impart a strong flavor. So, if you are in the mood to experiment, peanut butter will work well. 

Peanut butter works as a substitute for applesauce in various recipes in a standard 1:1 ratio. If the flavor and the added fat content do not bother you, you can give peanut butter a try!

Short Recap For Best Applesauce Substitutes

I am sure you must have gone through all the best applesauce substitutes by now. However, are you still confused about which substitute would work best in your recipe? For that, I have broken it down further. Have a look!

Most Suitable: The most suitable substitute for applesauce is mashed banana. 

Easily Available: Butter, yogurt, sweet potatoes, bananas, and peanut butter are the most easily available applesauce substitutes. 

Best Flavor Profile: Pear puree will provide the best flavor profile when used as an applesauce substitute. 

Final Word

As we have reached the end of this article, I hope it has helped you find the best substitute for applesauce. While all these substitutes can be used in baking, you can alternatively use most of them in savory cooking. 

Most substitutes that have a neutral taste tend to work well as applesauce substitutes in savory cooking. However, applesauce is more versatile when it comes to baking than savory cooking. 

So, the next time you are all out of applesauce, give one of the substitutes a try! In case you are in the mood to experiment, try giving one of the more unusual substitutes a chance, and I am sure you will end up cooking or baking something wonderful!

How To Substitute The Above Mentioned Ingredients For Applesauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)