Applesauce substitutes
Applesauce substitutes — 7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mashed bananas
Same amount as the applesauce
Similar fruit puree with different flavor.
The best substitutes for applesauce are mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or other fruit purees like pear puree or prune puree, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of applesauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mashed bananasbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Pumpkin pureebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Pear pureebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Prune pureebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Sweet potato pureebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Oil + sugarbaking | ½ cup oil + ½ cup sugar per 1 cup applesauceYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 7 | Yogurtbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Mashed bananas
different taste, similar texture
Similar fruit puree with different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Pumpkin puree
different taste, similar texture
Similar puree with different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Pear puree
different taste, similar texture
Similar fruit puree with different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Prune puree
different taste, similar texture
Similar fruit puree with different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Sweet potato puree
different taste, similar texture
Similar puree with different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Oil + sugar
different taste and texture
Mixture of oil and sugar for similar moisture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, beverages
Different flavor, similar moisture.
Yogurt
different taste, similar texture
Similar ingredient with different source.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, smoothies, desserts
Different source, similar texture - more tangy.
Questions
5 questionsCan 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.
Tips for substituting applesauce
10 tips- 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