5 Delicious Apple Sauce Recipes You'll Love

Apple sauce is more than just a side dish for pork chops or a classic ingredient in baked goods. This humble fruit puree can be transformed into delightful recipes that can cater to both sweet and savory palates. Here are five delicious apple sauce recipes that will elevate your culinary game and make you fall in love with this versatile ingredient all over again.

1. Apple Sauce Cake

Apple sauce makes for a moist, tender cake with a slight hint of apple flavor. Here's how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with grease and flour.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Alternately fold in the dry ingredients and apple sauce, starting and ending with the dry mix.
  5. Pour the batter into the cake pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

🍏 Note: Apple sauce adds moisture to baked goods, reducing the need for oil or butter. For an extra apple kick, fold in some diced apples into the batter before baking.

2. Apple Sauce Glazed Pork Chops

Give your pork chops a sweet and tangy glaze with apple sauce. Here's the recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 pork chops
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup apple sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Instructions:
  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Mix apple sauce, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  4. Pour the glaze over the pork chops in the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer until the pork is cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
  5. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.

3. Apple Sauce Pancakes

Turn your breakfast into a fruity delight with apple sauce infused pancakes:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup apple sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir in apple sauce and cinnamon.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
  4. Pour batter onto a hot griddle or non-stick pan to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden.
  5. Serve with butter and a dollop of apple sauce on top.

4. Apple Sauce Barbecue Chicken

Apple sauce can add a unique twist to your barbecue sauce:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup apple sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• Instructions:
  1. Combine apple sauce, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened into a sauce.
  2. Marinate the chicken in some of the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Grill or bake the chicken, basting with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized glaze.

5. Apple Sauce Frosting

Top off your baked goods with this simple apple sauce frosting:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple sauce
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk together sugar, apple sauce, cinnamon, and butter until smooth.
  2. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.

In wrapping up, these five apple sauce recipes showcase the adaptability and flavor enhancement that apple sauce can bring to your dishes. From a rich, moist cake to a succulent glazed pork chop, from breakfast pancakes to a summer barbecue, apple sauce adds a unique twist to both sweet and savory meals. It's an ingredient that encourages creativity in the kitchen and can help you save time while still delivering delicious results.

Can I use apple sauce in place of oil or butter?

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Yes, apple sauce can be used as a substitute for oil or butter in baking. Use a 1:1 ratio, but note that it will reduce the fat content and might alter the texture slightly, making the product denser and moister.

How long does homemade apple sauce last?

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Homemade apple sauce will typically last for about a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Can apple sauce be used in savory dishes?

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Yes, apple sauce can add depth to savory dishes, especially when used in sauces or glazes for meats. Its acidity and sweetness can balance and enhance the flavors of pork, chicken, and even seafood.

Is apple sauce healthy?

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Apple sauce can be a healthier alternative to many dessert or snack options. It’s lower in calories and sugar than many processed sweets. Unsweetened apple sauce provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. However, check for added sugars in store-bought versions.

Can I make my own apple sauce?

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Absolutely! Making your own apple sauce is easy. Peel, core, and chop apples, then simmer with a little water and perhaps some lemon juice and cinnamon until the apples are soft. Blend or mash until desired consistency. Adjust sweetness with sugar or honey if needed.