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26 Sweet & Savory Ways to Use Applesauce

Applesauce tends to be a pantry staple. Whether you can it yourself or buy it at the grocery store, it’s an amazing snack, topping, and so much more.

The great thing about that jar of applesauce is that it can easily be used to extend, replace other ingredients, add moisture, increase flavor, and more to both your sweet and savory dishes.

If you’re looking for fresh, frugual inspiration for your pantry stash of applesauce, look no further we’ve got you covered below with recipes that will make your taste buds and stomach happy!

3 jars of applesauce lined up in front of fresh apples. Text overaly reads 25+ Sweet & Savory Recipes from Applesauce.

Applesauce as a Fat Replacement

Fat is a necessary part of our nutrition and shouldn’t be avoided at all costs but good quality fats are expensive and finding natural replacements can be a frugal and wise choice.

Applesauce can be used as a replacement for melted butter or oil in most baked goods like cookies, cakes, breads, etc. Simply replace the fat with an equal amount of applesauce and proceed with the recipe as written.

It’s important to note that applesauce does not replace softened butter that must be creamed, only melted butter or liquid fats (like vegetable / olive oil) in order to get the same results from tried and true recipes.

Time may need to be added to the baking depending on the amount of water in the applesauce, however; simply test for doneness with a toothpick or skewer. No other modifications are necessary.

Applesauce as an Egg Replacer

Applesauce can add moisture and binding capability to many recipes. Use ¼ cup applesauce instead of an egg and proceed with the recipe as normal.

This can come in handy for making something vegan when necessary. It can also prevent a trip to the grocery store just for eggs.

3 jars of applesauce lined up in front of fresh apples.

A Word of Caution about Replacing

One or the other – not both. Don’t try to replace both fat and eggs with applesauce in the same recipe as results aren’t likely to be exactly as expected.

Use it as a fat replacement and use a real egg or a flax egg in the original recipe. Alternatively, use the applesauce egg and vegetable oil.

Make Sure it’s Smooth

If, like me, you can chunky applesauce, puree it in a blender or food processor befor using it as a replacement or in any of the recipes below for best success and flavor.

The Best Recipes Featuring Applesauce

Whether you want something for dinner, dessert, or snacking we've got an applesauce recipe for you in the list below. Whether you have just a bit of leftover applesauce or shelves full of jars, there's a way to put it all to good use in these inspiring recipes:

Savory Applesauce Recipes

Applesauce isn’t just for desserts and baked goods. Enjoy the delicious taste of fall apples any time of year with these savory recipes. From main dishes to sauces, these recipes will bring something new to your table.

Sweet Applesauce Recipes

Take your baked goods and classic desserts to a whole new texture level with these ideas! With everything from brownies to pudding, these sweet recipes are the best way to use up the canned applesauce in your pantry.

Snacks, Drinks, and Other Recipes

Cooking isn’t the only way to use applesauce from the pantry. In fact, as you’ll see below, applesauce can be made into just about everything. These delicious recipes take the applesauce taste and natural sweetness to a whole new level in creative ways to help you use up your stock.

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James

Sunday 15th of December 2019

Has anyone ever stuffed a chicken with applesauce withe two sliced jalapeno peppers and orange slices i the put it in my air fryer turned out great

Davinder

Tuesday 30th of October 2018

We found a new use for apple sauce. Indian sweet called 'gujrela' is made with carrots and milk, sugar, spices. Those who do not like milk can safely use apple sauce. The resultant sweet can be kept at room temperature for significant time.

Denise

Friday 5th of October 2018

I've been trying to justify making homemade applesauce. You just gave me many good reasons! :)

Kathie Lapcevic

Friday 5th of October 2018

I'm so glad you found inspiration and an excuse, ha!

Stacy

Saturday 29th of October 2016

I love apple sauce and apple butter as an ingredient in salad dressing, and sauce for roast pork. It provides sweetness and body.

James Burnette

Monday 21st of December 2015

I've been kicking around making a BBQ sauce with applesauce as the base. Just get rid of the tomatoes and make a spicy applesauce. Pork and apples go so well anyway.Thanks for sharing

James

Sunday 15th of December 2019

I think that would be great i eat jalapeno peppers in applesauce let me know if you make some bbg sauce

Homespun Seasonal Living

Monday 21st of December 2015

It sounds so yummy! I've used rhubarb sauce in homemade BBQ sauce and it worked deliciously.