Applesauce. Humble applesauce.
Humble applesauce that can do so many great things! Applesauce is one of my favorite baking ingredients for a variety of reasons- it’s a super cheap, healthy alternative. It’s always available (unlike beloved pumpkin), it doesn’t need time to ripen (sorry, bananas), it doesn’t impart to much fruity flavor, and it adds to daily fruit intake.
I’ve complied a round-up of recipes using applesauce for you. Applesauce’s only fault is that once you open a jar, you better use it up! You could buy the handy single serving containers to avoid this problem, but if you like to save by buying in bulk,the jar is your best option.
I’ve tried most of these recipes with great success, but there are a few that are on my to-make list. Enjoy!
Baked Oatmeal via Chocolate Covered Katie
This is a very simple baked oatmeal recipe. When I made it for myself, I halved the recipe and swapped the oil for an egg. It doesn’t have a strong a flavor, so it can be used as a blank canvas.
Lazy Girl’s Apple Spice Oatmeal via Clean Eating Veggie Girl
When I was on a hot oatmeal kick, this was my go to. It’s super quick thanks to the use of applesauce in place of apples. I highly recommend sunflower seed butter on this.
Spiced Greek Yogurt Applesauce Bread via Running with Spoons
Unlike a lot of healthier bread, this bread is not flat, but really fluffy! Toast up a slice with some butter & go to town!
Pumpkin pecan chunky granola via Mindful Eats and Treats
Beware… this stuff is seriously addictive, but in all the right ways.
Fluffy Applesauce Pancakes via 100 Days of Real Food
These are perfect for a Saturday morning when time is on your side.
Apple Oat Greek Yogurt Pancakes via Running With Spoons
Yay for single serving pancake recipes! Less time over the stove, more time to enjoy a big ol’ stack for yourself.
Super easy applesauce crackers via Happy Healthy Mama
A snack-y option that’s a little different than the usual.
No bananas? No frozen fruit? No problem! Applesauce makes for a yummy smoothie, I promise.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars via Chcolate Covered Katie
These are a favorite of mine. I’ve made them several times! Sometimes I reduce the oil and add more applesauce and it turns out just fine.
Peanut butter and apple oat balls via Peanut Butter and Peppers 
It’s the classic combo, apples & peanut butter, but it ball form!
Deep Dish Cookie Pie via Chocolate Covered Katie
I made this for guests once before and was eager to see what they thought about a pie made of beans… they didn’t detect them at all.
One Bowl Vegan Chocolate Cake via The Minimalist Baker
Double chocolate cake? Is there anything left to say?
Skinny Double Chocolate Chip Muffins via Salley’s Baking Additiction
These muffins make for great grab & go snacks. They freeze really well too.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Truffles via Amy’s Healthy Baking
This may be a traditional Christmas flavor, but I advocate for it year around!
Do you have a favorite way to use applesauce?
The Domestikated Life 
I love to use applesauce in place of mashed bananas because we seem to always have more applesauce than bananas. These all look so good. I’m not sure which one to try first.
I like bananas for eating too. You know?
I’ve made a carrot-raisin cookie that used applesauce. They were super soft and chewy!
Oooo! That sounds fabulous. Do you have the recipe? Sounds like a great Easter treat.
It’s from a cookbook I have…I’ll see if I can dig it up and send it to you!
I never use applesauce, mainly because I always forget about it. Thanks for the reminder!
I totally get that. It’s a little forgettable on its own.
Applesauce is my baking go-to!!! I love this post, thank you! Can’t wait to explore all these recipes, thanks for sharing my granola :).
Your granola is addictive!!
I love baking with apple sauce!
When I was a picky child, my mom fed me apple sauce (topped with cinnamon!) all the time – I still enjoy it that way every now and then.
These recipes look awesome. Definitely need to try out a few!
I love it topped with almonds!
Oh my gosh applesauce is literally the wonder ingredient. I adore it. I worship it. Ok not really, but I do love to use it! All of these recipes have me seriously craving a baking session now!
Right?! I use it in so many things!
Great round up! Apesauce is one of my favorite ingredients too! I’m especially intrigued by those crackers.
You and Matilda should make them together!
I found a new love for apple sauce once I started making my own in the slow cooker. If you haven’t done it – its a must.
Great collection. Its fascinating what you can do with little old applesauce eh? I’ve especially got my eyes on that chocolate cake…..
Homemade applesauce in incomparable!
The chocolate cake is very chocolate-y… aka perfect.
I love baking with applesauce!! I need to try it in a smoothie- that recipe sounds delicious! Great round up of recipes 🙂
The smoothie is really quick & easy. Perfect for busy days.
Yay for applesauce! I also like baking with it. Sometimes I mix it with cereal or oatmeal!
So good in oatmeal!
mhmm i LOVE applesauce! my favorite way… a bowl with cinnamon ❤
but i do love to use it in baking! and now i have those waffle/pancake recipes booked AND those crackers! i make besan/chickpea flour crackers, so that's something new 🙂
Yum! Especially homemade!