Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that often sits forgotten in many pantries. This naturally sweet puree can transform ordinary recipes into moist, flavorful dishes while reducing the need for oil or eggs in many baked goods.
You can use applesauce in everything from breakfast treats like oatmeal cups and muffins to savory dishes like BBQ chicken. Whether you’ve made homemade applesauce or have store-bought jars taking up space in your cupboard, these recipes will help you put this humble ingredient to delicious use in your everyday cooking.
1. Classic Applesauce Cake
Classic Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert that brings comfort with every bite. This vintage recipe uses applesauce to create a moist, light texture that stays fresh for days.
The cake combines simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices form the base, while applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness.
To make this cake, you’ll mix oil or butter with sugar, add eggs and applesauce, then fold in the dry ingredients. The spices—typically cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves—give the cake its distinctive warm flavor.
This versatile dessert can be served plain or topped with caramel glaze for extra indulgence.
2. Applesauce Muffins
Applesauce muffins are a perfect way to use up that jar of applesauce sitting in your fridge. These treats are incredibly moist and packed with apple-cinnamon flavor.
You can make these muffins with whole wheat flour for added nutrition without sacrificing taste. Many recipes are also low in sugar, letting the natural sweetness of the applesauce shine through.
What makes these muffins special is their versatility. They can be vegan and oil-free while still maintaining a soft, fluffy texture.
For the best results, use unsweetened applesauce and add your own spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cloves.
3. Applesauce Oatmeal
Applesauce oatmeal is a quick and simple breakfast option that requires just a few ingredients. You can make this nutritious meal in minutes using unsweetened applesauce and quick-cooking oats.
This combination creates a naturally sweet and hearty breakfast without added sugar. You can prepare it on busy mornings when you need something fast yet filling.
For extra flavor, try adding mix-ins like raisins, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey. The applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness to the oatmeal while boosting its nutritional value.
This recipe is also perfect for using up leftover applesauce in your refrigerator. Both kids and adults enjoy this simple, wholesome breakfast option.
4. Applesauce Pancakes
Applesauce pancakes offer a delicious twist on traditional breakfast fare. These fluffy treats use applesauce as a key ingredient, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
You can easily make these pancakes using pancake mix with applesauce added in. The applesauce can replace oil or butter in your recipe at a one-to-one ratio, making these pancakes a lighter option.
Many recipes include cinnamon, which pairs perfectly with the apple flavor. The result is a sweet, comforting breakfast with a hint of fall spice.
These pancakes store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep. They’re also a great dairy-free option if you choose the right ingredients.
5. Applesauce Doughnuts
Applesauce doughnuts offer a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of fall any time of year. These treats combine the moistness of applesauce with warm spices for a treat that’s both comforting and satisfying.
You can make these doughnuts either baked or fried depending on your preference. The baked version tends to be a healthier option that still delivers great taste.
The applesauce in the recipe not only adds flavor but also keeps the doughnuts moist. Most recipes call for ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and applesauce, with spices like cinnamon often included.
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling them with confectioners’ sugar or a simple glaze.
6. Applesauce Bread Pudding
Applesauce bread pudding combines the comfort of traditional bread pudding with the subtle sweetness of applesauce. You can make this dessert by layering cubed bread with a mixture of eggs, milk, applesauce, sugar, and spices.
The applesauce keeps the pudding moist and adds a delicate apple flavor throughout. Cinnamon and nutmeg are common spices that complement the apple flavor perfectly.
You can prepare this dessert ahead of time and reheat it when needed. It works well for brunch or as a cozy dessert during colder months.
For extra texture and flavor, consider adding raisins or using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach to this comforting treat.
7. Spiced Applesauce Bars
Spiced applesauce bars are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of applesauce with warm spices. These moist, cake-like bars make perfect after-school snacks or bake sale items.
To make these bars, you’ll need basic ingredients like butter or margarine, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and of course, applesauce. Most recipes call for about 1 to 1½ cups of applesauce.
The spice combination typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or allspice. Many versions feature a sweet frosting on top, enhancing their dessert appeal.
These bars are quick to prepare and stay fresh for several days. You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
8. Applesauce Waffles
Applesauce waffles are a delicious breakfast option that uses applesauce to create moisture and natural sweetness. These waffles can be made vegan by using applesauce as an egg substitute.
You can make these waffles with basic pantry ingredients. Many recipes use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, making them more nutritious than traditional waffles.
The batter comes together quickly, especially if you use a blender. Clean-up is minimal, which makes morning cooking much easier.
These waffles freeze well for busy mornings. Just pop them in the toaster when you need a quick breakfast. Try topping them with warm cinnamon apples and maple syrup for extra flavor.
9. Applesauce Cookies
Applesauce cookies are a delicious way to use up extra applesauce in your pantry. These soft, chewy treats combine the sweetness of applesauce with warming spices like cinnamon.
Most recipes include common ingredients such as brown sugar, flour, and butter. However, there are also healthier versions that skip the flour, butter, and refined sugar altogether.
You can make a simple version with just applesauce, oats, and a sweetener. For more flavor, add chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to the batter.
These cookies are quick to prepare, often taking just 5 minutes to mix together before baking. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or lunchbox treat.
10. Applesauce Smoothie
Applesauce smoothies are a quick and nutritious drink you can enjoy any time of day. They’re perfect for using up extra applesauce in your refrigerator.
The basic recipe combines applesauce with other fruits like blueberries or bananas. Many recipes also include yogurt, milk, or plant-based alternatives as the liquid base.
For added nutrition, try mixing in chia seeds, rolled oats, or nut butter. These ingredients make the smoothie more filling and boost its protein content.
You can customize your applesauce smoothie with cinnamon, maple syrup, or vanilla for extra flavor. Simply blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy immediately.
11. Applesauce Loaf
Applesauce loaf is a delicious way to use up that jar of applesauce sitting in your pantry. This moist, sweet bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
The addition of applesauce makes this bread incredibly tender and adds a subtle apple flavor. You can enhance it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices that complement the apple taste.
For an extra special touch, top your loaf with a brown sugar and nut mixture before baking. Some recipes also call for a light butter glaze or cinnamon-sugar sprinkle on top.
This versatile bread can be customized with raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
12. Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls
Applesauce cinnamon rolls offer a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls by making them more moist and adding a subtle apple flavor. The applesauce replaces some of the fat in regular recipes, creating a healthier treat without sacrificing taste.
You can easily make these at home using basic ingredients like yeast, flour, cinnamon, and of course, applesauce. The dough typically includes ¾ cup of applesauce mixed with eggs, sugar, and other standard roll ingredients.
These rolls make a perfect weekend breakfast or brunch item. You can enhance them by adding diced apples to the filling or creating an applesauce glaze for the top.
13. Apple-Spice Muffins
Apple-spice muffins combine the sweetness of apples with warm spices for a delicious breakfast treat. These muffins are moist thanks to applesauce, which reduces the need for oil or butter.
You can make these muffins easily with just a few ingredients. Some recipes use as few as three components: spice cake mix, chopped apples, and applesauce.
The addition of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice creates the perfect flavor profile. Many versions include chunks of fresh apple for extra texture and flavor.
These muffins work well as a quick breakfast option or afternoon snack. They’re typically whole grain and lower in sugar than store-bought alternatives.
14. Applesauce Carrot Cake
Applesauce Carrot Cake combines the best of both worlds – moist texture from applesauce and sweet flavor from freshly grated carrots. This delicious cake requires less oil than traditional recipes because applesauce acts as a natural substitute.
The cake has a perfect blend of spices that complement the carrots and applesauce. You can add extras like pineapple, coconut, or nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Top your cake with homemade cream cheese frosting for the best results. This dessert is surprisingly affordable, costing only about 80 cents per slice according to some estimates.
This recipe is perfect for using up extra applesauce in your pantry while creating a healthier version of a classic favorite.
15. Applesauce Rum-Raisin Cake
This moist cake combines the sweetness of applesauce with the rich flavor of rum-soaked raisins. For best results, soak your raisins overnight to maximize their flavor and juiciness.
The recipe typically uses whole wheat flour, which adds nutritional value while maintaining a soft texture. Chopped walnuts provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft cake.
You’ll find this cake incredibly easy to make. Simply cream eggs with sugar, add applesauce, oil, and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients. The applesauce keeps the cake moist and reduces the need for excess fat.
This dessert works well for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The rum flavor adds sophistication without overpowering the other ingredients.
16. Applesauce Granola
Applesauce granola offers a healthier alternative to traditional oil-based recipes. Using applesauce instead of oil creates a chunky, crisp texture while reducing fat content.
This breakfast option isn’t overly sweet, making it perfect for starting your day. You can easily customize it by mixing in different nuts and dried fruits.
Try serving your applesauce granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast parfait. It works wonderfully layered in a glass with homemade applesauce for extra apple flavor.
The recipe is versatile enough to complement your morning routine or serve as a quick, nutritious snack throughout the day.
17. Applesauce Pudding
Applesauce pudding is a comforting treat that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with the creamy texture of pudding. You can make this simple dessert with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Start by mixing applesauce with milk, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon.
Add a small amount of cornstarch to thicken the mixture as it cooks. Stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
For extra flavor, try adding nutmeg or vanilla extract.
You can serve applesauce pudding warm or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of granola for texture.
18. Applesauce Banana Bread
Applesauce Banana Bread is a healthier twist on traditional banana bread. By substituting applesauce for oil or butter, you get a moist loaf with less fat.
The basic recipe typically includes ripe bananas, applesauce, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Some versions add cinnamon for extra flavor.
You’ll need about 3-4 ripe bananas and approximately 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. This combination creates an incredibly moist texture while reducing the need for added fats.
This bread works well as a breakfast option or snack. It’s also dairy-free when made with applesauce instead of butter.
19. Applesauce Ice Cream
Applesauce ice cream is surprisingly easy to make at home. You can use store-bought unsweetened applesauce as your base ingredient.
For the best flavor, add cinnamon to your applesauce before freezing it. This simple addition enhances the apple taste and gives your dessert a warm, comforting touch.
If you have a Ninja Creami or similar ice cream maker, the process becomes even simpler.
Just freeze the applesauce mixture and let the machine transform it into a smooth sorbet-like treat.
For extra texture, consider adding small chunks of apple or a drizzle of caramel sauce as toppings. Your homemade applesauce ice cream makes a refreshing dessert that’s lighter than traditional cream-based versions.
20. Applesauce Cheesecake
Applesauce cheesecake offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake by adding the sweetness and moisture of applesauce. You can create this dessert using a simple graham cracker crust mixed with melted butter and sugar.
For the filling, combine applesauce with sweetened condensed milk and other cheesecake ingredients. Some recipes use applesauce as a partial replacement for cream cheese, creating a lighter texture.
The natural sweetness from the applesauce means you can reduce the added sugar.
You can enhance the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a more complex taste profile.
This dessert works wonderfully in fall when apples are in season but can be enjoyed year-round.
21. Applesauce Scones
Applesauce scones are a delicious way to use up extra applesauce while creating a tender breakfast treat. These scones combine the moisture of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfect fall flavor.
You can enhance your scones by adding chunks of fresh apple for texture contrast. The applesauce replaces some of the butter in traditional scone recipes, making these slightly healthier while still maintaining a soft interior.
For an extra touch, consider adding a brown butter-maple drizzle on top. The combination of apple and maple creates a wonderful flavor profile that works well for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Nutritional Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce offers impressive nutritional benefits while remaining a versatile and delicious food. This simple, fruit-based food packs several essential nutrients that support overall health and can be incorporated into your diet in many ways.
Vitamins and Minerals
Applesauce is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support your immune system and promotes collagen production for healthy skin. A single serving provides a meaningful contribution to your daily vitamin C needs.
The fiber content in applesauce supports digestive health and helps you feel fuller longer. Applesauce made with peels contains even more fiber and beneficial plant compounds.
Applesauce also contains small amounts of potassium and various B vitamins. These nutrients support heart health, nerve function, and energy production in your body.
Key nutrients in applesauce:
- Vitamin C
- Dietary fiber
- Potassium
- Antioxidants (especially in varieties made with peels)
- B vitamins (in smaller amounts)
Low-Calorie Alternative
Applesauce works wonderfully as a low-calorie substitute in many recipes. You can replace oil or butter with applesauce in baked goods to reduce fat and calories while maintaining moisture.
Unsweetened applesauce contains about 50-100 calories per cup, depending on preparation method. This makes it a smart choice for weight management compared to many other snacks or desserts.
The natural sweetness of applesauce can help satisfy sugar cravings without the added sugars found in many processed foods. When shopping, look specifically for unsweetened varieties to avoid unnecessary added sugars.
Applesauce also contains beneficial antioxidants called phytochemicals. Research suggests these compounds may help reduce your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Culinary Uses of Applesauce
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to many dishes. This natural fruit puree can transform your cooking and baking while reducing fat and adding nutrients.
Baking and Cooking Tips
Applesauce works wonderfully in baked goods like muffins, cakes, and quick breads. For best results, use unsweetened applesauce in savory recipes and sweetened varieties for desserts.
You can fold applesauce into pancake batter for moist, flavorful breakfast treats. Try adding 1/4 cup to your next batch of pancakes or waffles for extra tenderness.
Warm applesauce makes an excellent topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream. Simply heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
In savory dishes, applesauce pairs well with pork and chicken. Spread it on pork chops before baking or mix it into BBQ sauce for a natural sweetness.
Substituting Eggs and Fats
Applesauce is an excellent replacement for oils and butter in baking. Use it in a 1:1 ratio when substituting for oil in most recipes. For butter, replace half the amount called for with applesauce.
This substitution works best in:
- Muffins
- Quick breads
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Cakes
You can also use applesauce as an egg replacer in vegan baking. For each egg, substitute 1/4 cup of applesauce. This works best in recipes where eggs provide moisture rather than structure.
Remember that applesauce substitutions may produce a denser, moister texture and might reduce browning. Your baked goods will also have a subtle apple flavor that pairs well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
