Out of applesauce?

Applesauce substitutes

Applesauce is Pureed apples with sweet, fruity flavor and smooth texture, used in baking and as a natural sweetener.

Use this

Mashed Bananas

Use the same amount as the applesauce you are replacing

Different tasteBest for baking

The best substitutes for applesauce are mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or other fruit purees like pear puree or prune puree, depending on the use.

At a glance

Every applesauce substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Applesauce substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of applesauce, use	Result
1	Mashed Bananas	Same amount	Different taste
2	Pumpkin Puree	Same amount	Different taste
3	Pear Puree	Same amount	Different taste
4	Prune Puree	Same amount	Different taste
5	Sweet Potato Puree	Same amount	Different taste
6	Oil + Sugar	½ cup oil + ½ cup sugar per 1 cup applesauce	Taste and texture differ
7	Yogurt	Same amount	Different taste

Every applesauce substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Mashed Bananas
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar fruit puree with different flavor
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture
2. Pumpkin Puree
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar puree with different flavor
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture
3. Pear Puree
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar fruit puree with different flavor
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture
4. Prune Puree
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar fruit puree with different flavor
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture
5. Sweet Potato Puree
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar puree with different flavor
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture
6. Oil + Sugar
Taste and texture differ
Use ½ cup oil + ½ cup sugar for every 1 cup applesauce
Mixture of oil and sugar for similar moisture
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar moisture
7. Yogurt
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar ingredient with different source
What changes
Best for
baking, cooking, smoothies, desserts
Different source, similar texture - more tangy

Tips for substituting applesauce

Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture to dishes
Applesauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
Applesauce pairs well with fruits, nuts, and spices
Applesauce works well in baking and desserts
Applesauce can be used to make energy bars and smoothies
Store applesauce in the refrigerator or pantry
Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods
It's commonly used as a fat substitute in baking
Applesauce is high in fiber and vitamin C
It pairs well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices

Questions about applesauce substitutes

Can I use mashed bananas instead of applesauce?

Yes, mashed bananas are a good substitute for applesauce. They have similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for applesauce.

What's the difference between applesauce and mashed bananas?

Applesauce is made from apples and has a sweet, fruity flavor, while mashed bananas are made from bananas and have a different flavor profile. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably.

Can I use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce?

Yes, pumpkin puree can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.

Why is applesauce so popular in healthy baking?

Applesauce is popular in healthy baking because it's a natural sweetener that adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods without refined sugar.

Can I use applesauce as a fat substitute?

Yes, applesauce is commonly used as a fat substitute in baking, especially in muffins and cakes.

Need a different ingredient?

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Browse all substitutes More sweeteners

At a glance

Every applesauce substitute

1. Mashed Bananas

2. Pumpkin Puree

3. Pear Puree

4. Prune Puree

5. Sweet Potato Puree

6. Oil + Sugar

7. Yogurt