Looking to add a unique twist to your cooking? Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can enhance both savory and sweet dishes. It’s known for adding moisture and a hint of natural sweetness to recipes, while also being a fantastic substitute for more traditional baking ingredients like eggs and oil.
Discover how you can transform your meals and baked goods with 17 creative recipes that highlight the magic of applesauce. Whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast or a delightful dessert, these recipes offer a delicious way to incorporate this simple yet flavorful ingredient into your cooking routine.
1) Applesauce Pancakes
Applesauce pancakes are a perfect breakfast option that brings a sweet twist to the classic pancake. They are light, fluffy, and have a hint of apple flavor that makes them unique.
Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together until they are evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, mix your wet ingredients. Add applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and an egg. Whisk until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until you get a thick batter.
Let the batter sit for a few minutes. This helps it thicken slightly and makes the pancakes fluffier. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look dry. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden brown.
You can serve these pancakes with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even more applesauce on top. Enjoy these delicious applesauce pancakes as a wonderful start to your day!
2) Applesauce Muffins
Applesauce muffins are a delicious and healthy treat. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Using applesauce keeps the muffins moist without adding too much fat.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. This will make removing the muffins easier.
In one bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of these components.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Mix applesauce, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Be sure the mixture is completely combined.
Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins tough.
Pour the batter into the muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoy your warm, yummy applesauce muffins!
3) Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make and features spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices give the cake a warm and comforting taste.
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Use a 9-by-13-inch baking pan for larger gatherings or an 8-inch cake pan for smaller groups. Grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your spices. Cinnamon and cloves are common choices, but you can also add nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
Next, take another bowl and mix your wet ingredients. Combine applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk them with eggs and both granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, or the cake might be too dense. If you like, fold in some raisins or nuts like walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
4) Applesauce Bread
Applesauce bread is a delicious and moist treat. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, mix applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk until combined.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones. Stir until just mixed to avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy a slice of this tasty applesauce bread with butter or on its own.
5) Applesauce Cookies
Applesauce cookies are a delightful treat that’s simple to make and tasty to eat. These cookies are soft, moist, and filled with rich flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Adding applesauce makes them less greasy and gives them a unique sweetness.
To start, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your cookie sheets to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix sugar and butter until smooth, then add an egg and applesauce, blending it all together.
In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Carefully mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. If you like, you can fold in walnuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on the cookie sheet. Make sure to leave about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread out during baking.
Bake the cookies for about 5-8 minutes, then rotate the baking sheets. Continue baking for another 4-8 minutes until the tops look dry and the bottoms are light golden-brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
6) Applesauce Oatmeal
Applesauce oatmeal is a tasty and nutritious breakfast option. Start by heating milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add oats and applesauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. After simmering, pour the oatmeal into a bowl and enjoy. It’s a simple yet delicious way to begin your day. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings and can be quickly prepared.
You can customize it by adding nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of honey. Applesauce gives the oatmeal a natural sweetness without needing extra sugar. This is a great breakfast option for both kids and adults.
7) Applesauce Granola Bars
Applesauce granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack you can make at home. They are easy to prepare and perfect for an on-the-go treat.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch or 10 x 15-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, mix oats with nuts or seeds and ground flax. In another bowl, combine applesauce, honey or maple syrup, canola oil, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave this mixture for one minute, stirring halfway, until it’s warm and slightly thinner.
Add the applesauce mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. If you’d like, you can add chocolate chips or dried fruit at this point.
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread and press it down evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the granola bars are golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars. Enjoy these applesauce granola bars as a healthy snack or breakfast option.
8) Applesauce Smoothie
An applesauce smoothie is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a healthy snack. You’ll need some basic ingredients you likely have at home.
Start with 1/2 cup of applesauce. Add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. This also adds protein to your smoothie.
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of almond milk. Any other milk or milk alternative works too. For sweetness, add 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup. You can adjust the amount based on your taste.
To give your smoothie a bit of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will bring out the apple flavor. Don’t forget to include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of taste.
Lastly, toss in 1/4 cup of ice cubes. This will make your smoothie cold and refreshing. Blend everything on high until smooth, which should take about 45 seconds to a minute.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more yogurt or juice. If it needs more sweetness, a bit more honey or sugar will do the trick. Enjoy your applesauce smoothie right away for the best flavor and texture.
9) Applesauce Brownies
Applesauce brownies are a delicious and healthier twist on traditional brownies. By using applesauce, you can reduce the amount of butter or oil needed, making them a bit lighter. These brownies are perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling too guilty.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of applesauce and 1/2 cup of honey. Add two eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, then continue whisking until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. If you like, you can add some chocolate chips or nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your moist and tasty applesauce brownies!
10) Applesauce Waffles
Applesauce waffles are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional waffles. They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Start by preheating your waffle iron. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients ensure your waffles rise and have a nice flavor.
Make a well in the center and add milk, melted butter, applesauce, and egg yolks. Mix until just combined.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step helps make your waffles fluffy. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Use a measuring cup to pour the batter onto the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until golden brown.
Serve your applesauce waffles warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy this tasty and wholesome treat with your family.
11) Applesauce Meatloaf
Applesauce meatloaf is a unique twist on the traditional meatloaf recipe. The addition of applesauce makes the meatloaf moist and adds a subtle sweetness.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, an egg, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with your hands.
Next, add applesauce to the mixture. Mixing by hand ensures the applesauce is evenly distributed.
Pat the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for around one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to slice.
12) Applesauce BBQ Sauce
You can make a delicious applesauce BBQ sauce with simple ingredients. It’s a great twist on classic barbecue flavors.
Start by combining applesauce, ketchup, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently.
Once it reaches a boil, remove it from heat. Let it cool completely, which takes about 20 minutes.
This sauce is perfect for basting meats like ribs and chicken. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
You can refrigerate this homemade BBQ sauce for up to a month. Use it to add a unique taste to your grilling recipes.
13) Applesauce Chicken
Applesauce Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors.
You start by placing your chicken breasts in a crockpot or slow cooker. Then, pour applesauce over the chicken. Add spices like black pepper and chili powder.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you prefer a stove-top method, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding applesauce. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
For extra flavor, consider adding barbecue sauce, soy sauce, or minced garlic. These ingredients complement the applesauce nicely.
Serve the chicken with rice or a side of green beans.
14) Applesauce Pork Chops
Applesauce pork chops are a tasty and simple dish that blends sweet and savory flavors.
Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt and black pepper. Brown them in a skillet with a bit of oil on medium-high heat. This will give them a nice, golden color.
In a bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the pork chops. If you have ground cinnamon, a pinch can add warmth to the dish.
If you prefer using a slow cooker, place the browned pork chops inside. Pour the applesauce mixture over them. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. This makes the pork chops tender and flavorful.
For oven baking, place the seasoned pork chops in a baking dish. Cover with the applesauce mixture. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until the pork is fully cooked. An instant-read thermometer should show 145°F when the pork chops are done.
Serve the applesauce pork chops with a side of rice or pasta. This balances the dish and soaks up any extra sauce. This meal is great for family dinners or even special occasions, combining ease with delicious flavor.
15) Applesauce Ice Cream
Applesauce ice cream is a delicious and easy-to-make treat. You only need a few ingredients to get started. With a simple mix of applesauce, sugar, and a few spices, you can create a creamy and refreshing dessert.
Start by combining applesauce with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Next, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour it into a container and freeze, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
For added texture, you can fold in some graham cracker crumbs or cookie pieces. This adds a nice crunch to the smooth ice cream.
Serve the applesauce ice cream topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic apple flavor in the summer months. Enjoy your homemade applesauce ice cream as a special treat!
16) Applesauce Sorbet
Applesauce sorbet is a refreshing and simple treat you can make at home. You only need a few ingredients like applesauce, sugar, and maybe some cinnamon for added flavor.
Start by mixing applesauce with sugar in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If the mixture isn’t cold, chill it for a few hours in the fridge.
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn following the machine’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container, stirring it occasionally until it reaches a smooth consistency.
For those using a Ninja Creami, combine applesauce with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Freeze the mixture in a pint container for at least 24 hours before processing it.
Serve your sorbet immediately for the best texture. It’s a perfect cool-down snack on a hot day!
17) Applesauce Pudding
Applesauce pudding is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of applesauce with the richness of a pudding base. It’s a comforting treat that you can easily make with a few ingredients.
Start by mixing together applesauce, vanilla, eggs, and heavy cream. These ingredients form the creamy base of your pudding.
For added texture and flavor, you can include a crumb layer. Commonly, graham cracker crumbs or a mix of crumbs, like wheat germ or sesame seeds, are used.
In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of the crumb mixture. Add a layer of the applesauce mixture on top. Repeat these layers, finishing with the crumb mixture on top.
Bake this in a moderate oven for around 30 minutes. The result is a warm, comforting pudding with a delightful crumb topping.
You can enjoy applesauce pudding warm or cold. It’s an excellent way to use leftover applesauce and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Benefits of Using Applesauce in Recipes
Using applesauce in recipes offers a variety of advantages, including nutritional benefits and health perks, as well as considerations for different dietary needs.
Nutritional Value
Applesauce is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It provides vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system and skin health. Additionally, it contains potassium, a mineral important for heart function and muscle contractions.
Unsweetened applesauce is also low in calories. An average serving contains roughly 100 calories and zero fat, making it an excellent alternative to higher-calorie ingredients like butter or oil. It’s rich in fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel full longer.
Health Benefits
Using applesauce in your cooking helps reduce the amount of sugar and fat in your diet. Replacing butter or oil with applesauce not only cuts down on calories but also lowers the intake of saturated fats. This change can be beneficial for managing your weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Applesauce’s natural sweetness can also help reduce the amount of added sugar needed in recipes. This makes it a healthier option for those looking to manage blood sugar levels.
Dietary Considerations
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient suitable for various dietary needs. For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, applesauce can replace dairy-based ingredients in baking. It’s also a good substitute for eggs, making it ideal for vegan recipes or for people with egg allergies.
Gluten-free diets can also benefit from applesauce. It helps keep baked goods moist without needing gluten to hold the structure. Additionally, it is a great option for those on low-fat or low-sugar diets, helping you maintain a balanced and nutritious meal plan.
Cooking Tips for Applesauce-Based Recipes
Understanding the importance of selecting the right type of applesauce and knowing how to substitute it in your baking can significantly impact the outcome of your recipes.
Selecting the Right Applesauce
When choosing applesauce for your recipes, unsweetened applesauce is often the best choice. It allows you to control the sweetness of your dish without adding extra sugar.
Flavored applesauce can add unique tastes but may alter the intended flavor of your recipe. For example, cinnamon-flavored applesauce can add spice, but be mindful of how it blends with other ingredients.
Consistency is another key factor. Thicker applesauce works well for baking as it adds moisture without making the batter too runny. In contrast, thinner applesauce is better suited for sauces or dressings.
Substituting Applesauce in Baking
To use applesauce as a substitute for butter or oil in baking, a general rule is to replace half of the fat with the same amount of applesauce. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, use ½ cup of butter and ½ cup of applesauce.
Applesauce can also replace eggs in some recipes. Usually, ¼ cup of applesauce can replace one egg. This is particularly useful for vegan baking or when you’re out of eggs.
Keep in mind that applesauce can introduce extra moisture to your baked goods. Adjust your baking time if necessary to ensure everything bakes evenly. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of your baked item; it should come out clean.
Adapting to using applesauce might take a few tries, but the result is often lighter and healthier baked goods. Pay attention to the texture and adjust other ingredients as necessary to find the perfect balance.
Storage and Preservation
Storing and preserving your applesauce properly can help maintain its flavor and ensure it remains safe to eat. This includes proper refrigeration techniques and steps for freezing applesauce to extend its shelf life.
Refrigeration Guidelines
When storing applesauce in the refrigerator, make sure it is in an airtight container. This prevents other flavors from mixing with the applesauce. Once opened, applesauce can typically last about 7-10 days in the fridge.
Steps for Refrigerating Applesauce:
- Use Clean Containers: Always use clean, dry containers.
- Airtight Sealing: Make sure the container has a tight seal.
- Labeling: Label the containers with the date the applesauce was made or opened. This helps in keeping track of its freshness.
- Proper Storage Temperature: Keep your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C). This temperature helps maintain the quality and safety of the applesauce.
Freezing Applesauce
Freezing applesauce is a great way to extend its life. When done properly, frozen applesauce can last up to a year.
Steps for Freezing Applesauce:
- Cool the Applesauce: Before you freeze, ensure the applesauce has cooled completely.
- Choose Suitable Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top as the applesauce will expand when it freezes.
- Portion Sizes: Consider freezing in smaller portions for easy thawing and use.
- Labeling: Mark the freezing date on the containers or bags to keep track of how long it has been stored.
- Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the applesauce in the refrigerator or place the container in warm water.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade applesauce for a longer time while keeping it fresh and delicious.
