Bake With Applesauce: Cakes, Muffins and More

Enlarge Image Image Gallery An apple a day, a different way: Try baking with applesauce to make healthier treats that have incredible texture. EMILY HELLER

Who doesn’t love sweet, tangy apples? Plus, apples, applesauce and apple juice have been proven to have “whole body” health benefits, including protection against colon cancer, reduced cardiovascular risk, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, and reduced effects of bad cholesterol. With these benefits — plus there are so many available flavors — who wouldn’t want to stock their pantry, root cellar or freezer with apples and applesauce?

Besides being a nutritious and filling snack, applesauce is a great fat-replacer in many baked goods. Using applesauce instead of butter or oil adds fiber and reduces calories in cakes, muffins and breads. And, because of its water content, applesauce will also keep your baked goods moist and fresh longer. A quart of homegrown and homemade applesauce is also much more frugal than even the cheapest store-bought vegetable oil. If you don’t grow apples, be sure to visit your nearest farmers market or U-pick orchard this fall, when abundance equals a bargain.

How to Make Applesauce

The easiest way to make applesauce is to core and quarter washed apples (no need to peel, but be sure to scrub thoroughly). Place the apples in a heavy pot with an inch of water. Cover and cook until the apples are soft. Run the softened apples through a food mill, food processer or blender until smooth. If the sauce gets too thick for the processor or blender to run smoothly, add a bit of the cooking water or unsweetened apple juice. Return the applesauce to a large pot. Season and sweeten to taste — use up to a half cup of sugar or one-third cup of honey, and up to 1 teaspoon of ground spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice) for every 2 pounds of apples. For baking purposes, keep a couple of batches of unsweetened canned or frozen applesauce.