Applesauce is a handy ingredient to keep in your pantry. It’s not just for snacking – this sweet and tangy puree can add moisture and flavor to many recipes. From breakfast treats to dinnertime dishes, applesauce is a versatile addition to your cooking toolkit.
You’ll find plenty of ways to use up that jar of applesauce with these 17 tasty recipes. Whether you’re looking for healthier baked goods or want to try a new twist on classic meals, these ideas will spark your culinary creativity. Get ready to explore how this humble fruit puree can transform your favorite foods.
Applesauce muffins are a tasty and simple treat you can whip up quickly. They’re soft, moist, and packed with apple flavor. These muffins use applesauce instead of oil, making them a healthier option.
You can make applesauce muffins with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Mix in some rolled oats to give them extra texture. Cinnamon is a must-have spice to complement the apple taste.
For the best results, use unsweetened applesauce in your recipe. This lets you control the sweetness level. You can add nuts or raisins if you want more variety in your muffins.
These muffins freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack.
Applesauce cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll love how the applesauce keeps the cake tender while adding natural sweetness.
This cake often includes warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These complement the apple flavor perfectly.
You can make applesauce cake as a simple snack or dress it up for special occasions. Try adding a cream cheese frosting or caramel drizzle on top.
For extra texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or raisins. The cake tastes great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Applesauce cookies are a tasty treat that uses applesauce as a key ingredient. You can make these soft, spiced cookies easily at home.
To start, mix sugar and butter until smooth. Add an egg and applesauce and blend well. In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. You can add nuts or raisins if you like. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake the cookies at 325°F until lightly browned. Let them cool before eating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer keeping.
Applesauce bread is a tasty and moist treat you can easily make at home. You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and of course, applesauce.
Mix your dry ingredients first, then add the wet ones. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about an hour.
This bread is great for breakfast or as a snack. You can add extras like raisins, nuts, or cinnamon for more flavor. It stays fresh for several days and freezes well too.
Applesauce granola is a tasty and wholesome breakfast option. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix oats, nuts, and seeds in a bowl. Warm applesauce, honey, and oil in the microwave or on the stove. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, adding cinnamon for flavor.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake at 275°F for about an hour, stirring every 10 minutes. The granola is done when it turns golden brown.
Applesauce waffles are a tasty twist on a breakfast classic. You can easily make these by adding applesauce to your usual waffle batter.
Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Create a well in the center and add milk, melted butter, applesauce, and egg yolks. Stir until combined.
Beat egg whites separately until fluffy. Fold them gently into the batter. This helps create light, crispy waffles.
Pour the batter onto a preheated waffle iron. Cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.
To make these brownies, mix applesauce with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and eggs. Add some vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also toss in chocolate chips or nuts if you like.
Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake until done. The result is moist, fudgy brownies with less fat than regular ones. They’re perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without the guilt.
Applesauce frosting is a tasty and unique topping for cakes and cupcakes. You can make it by mixing applesauce with powdered sugar and butter. Add a dash of caramel extract for extra flavor.
This frosting is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients. It’s a great way to use up leftover applesauce. The result is a smooth, creamy frosting with a hint of apple flavor.
Try spreading applesauce frosting on spice cakes or apple-themed desserts. It pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. You can also use it to frost carrot cake or zucchini bread for a twist on classic recipes.
Applesauce oatmeal is a tasty and healthy breakfast option. You can make it quickly on the stovetop.
Start by heating milk in a small saucepan. Add oats and applesauce, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For extra flavor, mix in some cinnamon. You can also add other toppings like nuts or dried fruit. Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and enjoy your warm, comforting meal.
This recipe is perfect for cool mornings or when you want a nutritious start to your day. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your tastes.
You can make a tasty chicken dish using applesauce as a key ingredient. Mix applesauce with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices like chili powder.
Pour this sauce over chicken breasts in a slow cooker or skillet. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in a mix of applesauce and soy sauce before cooking. You can also grill the chicken after coating it in the applesauce mixture.
This recipe brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken. It’s an easy way to add moisture and taste to a simple protein.
Applesauce ice cream is a tasty treat you can make at home. It combines the sweetness of applesauce with the creamy texture of ice cream.
To make it, mix applesauce with cream, sugar, and cinnamon. You can add other spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker or a regular freezer.
For a quick version, blend frozen applesauce with vanilla ice cream. This creates a soft-serve style dessert. Top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Applesauce ice cream is a great way to use up extra applesauce. It’s also perfect for fall gatherings or as a lighter dessert option.
Applesauce cupcakes are a tasty treat you can make with ingredients you likely have on hand. They’re moist, flavorful, and easy to whip up.
To make these cupcakes, you’ll cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices like cinnamon.
Fold in applesauce to give the cupcakes their signature moisture and flavor. Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
Once cooled, top your cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. These treats are perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, apple-flavored snack.
Applesauce can be a surprising star ingredient in homemade salad dressings. You can use it to create a tangy, sweet vinaigrette without added oils.
To make an applesauce dressing, mix unsweetened applesauce with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and your favorite herbs and spices. This creates a thick, creamy texture that coats salad greens nicely.
The natural sweetness of applesauce balances well with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of maple syrup or honey if desired.
Try this dressing on salads with nuts, dried fruits, or roasted vegetables. It pairs especially well with autumn-inspired salads featuring apples, pears, or squash.
Health Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce offers several health advantages. It’s a nutritious food that can support your digestion and overall well-being.
Nutritional Value
Applesauce is low in calories but packed with nutrients. A half-cup serving contains about 50 calories and provides vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s naturally sweet, with no added sugars in unsweetened varieties.
Applesauce is rich in antioxidants called phytochemicals. These include quercetin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanin. These compounds help protect your cells from damage.
The nutritional content can vary based on the apples used and processing methods. Homemade versions often retain more nutrients than store-bought options.
Benefits for Digestion
Applesauce is easy on your digestive system. Its soft texture makes it a good choice if you have trouble chewing or swallowing.
The fiber in applesauce supports healthy digestion. It can help prevent constipation and keep your bowel movements regular.
Applesauce may be gentler on your stomach than whole apples. This makes it a good option if you’re recovering from stomach upset or surgery.
The pectin in applesauce acts as a prebiotic. It feeds the good bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy digestive system.
Applesauce in Baking
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can improve your baked goods. It adds moisture and flavor while reducing fat and calories. Let’s look at two key ways to use applesauce in baking.
As a Substitute for Oil
You can replace oil with applesauce in many recipes. This swap cuts fat and calories while keeping your treats moist. Use a 1:1 ratio – for every cup of oil, use a cup of applesauce instead.
This works well in muffins, quick breads, and some cakes. The result is often a denser, chewier texture. You may notice a slight apple flavor, which pairs nicely with spices like cinnamon.
Try it in banana bread or carrot cake for a healthier twist on classic recipes. Start by replacing half the oil with applesauce. Then adjust based on your taste and texture preferences.
As a Sweetener
Applesauce can also replace some sugar in your baking. It adds natural sweetness and moisture. This helps cut down on added sugars while keeping your treats tasty.
For best results, replace up to half the sugar with applesauce. You may need to reduce liquids slightly to balance the extra moisture. This method works well in muffins, quick breads, and oatmeal cookies.
Unsweetened applesauce is best for this purpose. It lets you control the overall sweetness of your recipe. The natural fruit sugars add a subtle sweetness without being overpowering.
Try this in zucchini bread or oatmeal muffins. You’ll get a lighter, fruity sweetness that complements other flavors nicely.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
