Cut calories and fat from your favorite baked goods with this simple swap.
How to Substitute Applesauce for Oil in Baked Goods
Updated on Nov. 15, 2019
Just because you are trying to eat healthier doesn’t mean your sweet tooth goes away. Luckily there’s an easy way to have your cake and eat it too; use applesauce instead of oil in your baking recipes. Believe it or not, you can cut a ton of fat and calories from your baked goods with this simple swap.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn how to substitute applesauce for oil, plus learn about the health benefits.
Next up: Check out these healthier dessert recipes you won’t believe are lightened up.
How to Substitute Applesauce for Oil
Simply swap out half of the oil in the recipe with applesauce. For example, if the recipe calls for a cup of oil, add 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 cup of applesauce.
Substituting applesauce for oil will change the texture of your baked goods, so first replace half of the oil, and see how it turns out. If you test it out and are happy with the results, you can then experiment with replacing more of the oil, a bit at a time.
Editor’s note: We recommend using unsweetened applesauce to avoid over-sweetening and adding additional calories to your recipe.
How Much Healthier is Applesauce?
For every 1/2 cup of oil replaced with applesauce, you will save 900 calories and 110 grams of fat. Since these saving are for the entire baked good, divide the calories or grams of fat saved by the number of servings for updated nutritional counts.
By the way, here’s the difference between vegetable, canola, olive and coconut oil.
Replacing part, or all, of the oil with applesauce in your favorite baked goods can save you enough calories to stay on track, or earn yourself a second helping!
Try Using Applesauce in These Desserts
Giant Buckeye CookieI’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
Heavenly Praline CakeA moist cake and generous frosting are filled with the fabulous flavor of caramel. The candied pecans are almost a dessert by themselves!—Jennifer Rodriguez, Midland, Texas
Cinnamon-Raisin Bread PuddingThis rich bread pudding recipe comes together in minutes. There's plenty of old-fashioned cinnamon flavor. The treat is sure to become a favorite! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
7UP Pound CakeThis classic 7UP cake recipe uses the carbonated beverage to bake a tall pound cake with hints of lemon and lime. We also use the soda in the glaze to really drive home its iconic flavor.
Chocolate Peanut Butter CookiesThese five-ingredient chocolate peanut butter cookies are oh-so-easy to make. Rich, fudgy and ready in 30 minutes, these treats are perfect for last-minute baking.
Cranberry-Apple Lattice PieTwo favorite fall fruits bring out the best in each other — and rum works its own mellow magic. Few people pass up a piece of this pie. — Adri Barr Crocetti, Sherman Oaks, California
Lemon Poppy Seed CakeThis light and lemony Bundt-style lemon poppy seed cake makes for a delightful (and pretty!) summer treat. Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for extra fanfare, or enjoy it as is with your morning cup of coffee. It's as versatile as it is tasty!
Brownie CookiesThe next time you long for a chocolaty dessert, bake up a batch of these jumbo-size brownie cookies. They are tender, rich and irresistibly delicious.
Mocha Hazelnut TorteI make this cake on birthdays and other special occasions because it looks and tastes so amazing. The combination of mild hazelnut and coffee flavors is impossible to resist. —Christina Pope, Speedway, Indiana
Chai-Spiced Bread PuddingNothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Chocolate Swirl CheesecakeFew desserts are as luscious and impressive as a chocolate swirl cheesecake. We'll show you how to master cheesecake-baking techniques so you have a stunning, crack-free cake.
Chocolate Lava CakeWith its molten chocolate center, this rich chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert that is deceptively simple to make!
Brookie Recipe"Brookies" are the tasty result of two baked goods joining forces. Treat yourself to this chocolate chip cookie brownie recipe!
Chocolate Croissant PuddingThis new twist on traditional bread pudding is a decadent and delicious family favorite! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Peanut Brittle BarsPairing the old-fashioned flavor of peanut brittle with yummy chocolate chips turns these bars into a satisfying treat and a sought-after holiday gift. —Kristin Gleason, St. John, Kansas
Coconut Fudge Cake“A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee's dream," notes Johnnie. "You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it.”
Broadway Brownie BarsI named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
White Texas Sheet CakeThis classic white Texas sheet cake is delicious, and surprisingly quick and easy to make. You won't even need to wait for the cake to cool completely before icing it!
Orange Buttermilk CupcakesSimple and delicious, this is our all-time favorite low-fat dessert. You'll be surprised how well the citrus flavor comes through in every bite.
Red Velvet CheesecakeFans of cheesecake and red velvet cake will love this two-for-one red velvet cheesecake recipe! Whip it up the day before serving so the cheesecake has a chance to set overnight, and finish it with the dreamy cream cheese frosting right before cutting.
Maple-Glazed Apple PieEven though we've lived in Florida for three years, I still feel like a Vermonter. My parents send us a bushel of Vermont apples each fall, and we try to visit in the spring to do some sugaring. —Patricia Putnam, Lakeland, Florida
Raisin Date Bread PuddingAll my leftover bread ends (raisin bread is a favorite in this house) and buns go in the freezer. Then, when I've stashed away enough, I whip up a batch of this pudding. It's an all-occasion dish—I've made it for holidays, potlucks, picnics...for any occasion or no occasion! —Dawn Green, Hopkins, Michigan
Lemon-Lime BarsThis easy lime bar recipe is a dessert that will wow your guests. I baked these bars for a luncheon on a hot summer day. A gentleman made his way to the kitchen to compliment the cook who made them. —Holly Wilkins, Lake Elmore, Vermont
Kentucky Butter CakeLook no further than Kentucky butter cake for a fluffy, buttery cake with an excellent crumb and a vanilla-almond butter sauce that permeates every bite.
Hummingbird CupcakesTurn the traditional hummingbird cake—flavored with pineapple, bananas and walnuts—into a bite-sized treat with these moist cupcakes. —Jessie Oleson, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Easy Mexican BrowniesThis easy Mexican brownie recipe comes together quickly enough for dessert anytime because it uses a box mix. Cleanup is quick and minimal, too!
Apple Bavarian TorteA cookie-like crust holds the sensational filling of cream cheese, apples and almonds. This comforting apple torte will be welcomed addition to a bake sale or potluck. —Sheila Swift, Dobson, North Carolina
Double Peanut PieI created this recipe for a national pie contest and won second place for my state. Many peanuts are grown in Virginia, and I always look for ways to use local products. —Vivian Cleeton, Richmond, Virginia
Rhubarb Cherry PieAs a young girl, I dreamed of being able to make pies like my mother. Her rolling pin, which I inherited, is 2 feet long and 8 inches wide! In fact, this is Mom's recipe, although I substituted cherries for the strawberries in her version. I first made this pie for a church gathering 20 years ago, and everyone's looked for it at every potluck since! —Eunice Hurt, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Ricotta CheesecakeIndulge in the rich, velvety texture of this classic ricotta cheesecake, featuring a crisp cinnamon-spiced crust and tangy sour cream topping.
Banana Bread PuddingWarm and indulgent, this banana bread pudding makes a wonderful main dish for a weekend brunch or a family breakfast.
Chewy Peanut Butter Pan SquaresWith seven of us in our family, including two teenage boys, these peanut butter squares never last long! It's hard to believe how simple they are to prepare. —Deb DeChant, Milan, Ohio
Carrot Sheet CakeWe sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove South El Monte, California
Lemon Zucchini DropsWhen we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona
Oatmeal Molasses CrispsWhen I found this recipe in an Amish cookbook, I had to try it. It’s traditional in regions with Amish populations—Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Upper Midwest. Now it’s a staple for our family and the folks at our church fellowship, too. —Jori Schellenberger, Everett, Washington
Caramel Chocolate BarsChocolate, caramel sauce and chopped pecans form the irresistibly chewy layer at the heart of these decadent oatmeal caramel chocolate bars.
Blueberry Lattice BarsSince our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for amazing new recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Butterscotch CakeThink of butterscotch cake as German chocolate cake's auburn cousin. The amber-hued cake layers are flavored with butterscotch chips, as are the stripes of chewy, coconut-pecan filling between the cake layers and on top.
Peanut-Filled Devil’s Food CupcakesThis recipe features a luscious peanut butter filling surrounded by devil's food and then iced with a rich layer of ganache. They're to die for! —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Pineapple Upside-Down CakePineapple upside-down cake was once a retro relic that now ranks among the most classic desserts of all time. Follow our traditional recipe below—no extra frills needed here!
Coconut Tres Leches CupcakesThree types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Chocolate Espresso-Nut TorteI love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Caramel Snickerdoodle BarsWhat did I do when I couldn’t decide between two of my favorite desserts? I combined them! This snickerdoodle-blondie hybrid proved even better with caramel, always a favorite ingredient. —Niki Plourde, Gardner, Massachusetts
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter BlondiesI converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
Chocolate Pear Hazelnut TartAs a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California
Flourless Chocolate TorteFlourless chocolate torte is the perfect dessert for chocoholics—no flour gets in the way of the rich chocolate flavor. Bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte for special occasions or any time a craving hits. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar.
Coconut Key Lime ThumbprintsThis is the cookie recipe I created for the Las Vegas World Food Championships in 2013. It's similar to a shortbread thumbprint cookie, but with lots more personality. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Orange CakeThis easy orange cake combines fresh orange juice and zest for a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. It's topped with a creamy orange frosting to make it extra tangy.
Lemon Coconut BitesThe tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Applesauce Spice CupcakesI began making these moist cupcakes in grade school and still bake them today. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
S’more CheesecakeThis luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina
Frosted Chocolate DelightsBefore we five kids headed off to school each day, Mom took our requests for that day's dinner. I usually asked her to make these cookies for dessert, and she would rarely disappoint. I still enjoy them today. —Patricia Ramczyk, Appleton, Wisconsin
Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake BarsWhat could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
No-Guilt BrowniesYes, you can watch your diet and enjoy treats, too! These healthy brownies are the perfect cure for a serious chocolate craving. —Rita Ross, Delta, Ohio
Blueberry CheesecakeThe swirls in this blueberry cheesecake are made with a couple tablespoons of simple blueberry sauce. Save the rest of the homemade sauce for serving.
Palmier CookiesSeriously impressive palmier cookies need only two ingredients. Break out that box of premade puff pastry and your bag of granulated sugar to create these buttery, flakey French pastries.
Lavender Lemon BarsHints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Streuseled Zucchini Bundt CakeInspired by an abundance of zucchini, I found a new way to use it up in this spiced and lightly sweet cake. It even won a blue ribbon at our county fair! —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas
Coffee ‘n’ Cream BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these rich cakelike brownies topped with a creamy coffee-enhanced filling and a chocolate glaze. I like to garnish each square with a coffee bean. —Michelle Tiemstra, Lacombe, Alberta
Cranberry Bog BarsSweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania
Ginger Plum TartSweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Banana Chocolate Chip CookiesThese warm, gooey, indulgent banana chocolate chip cookies can be made in just 35 minutes. Bake a batch of three dozen to nosh on all week long.
White Chocolate Cranberry BlondiesFriends sometimes ask me to make these for wedding receptions. For a fancier presentation, I cut the bars into triangle shapes and drizzle white chocolate over each one individually. —Erika Busz, Kent, Washington
Chocolate Hazelnut TorteMost cake recipes feed a crowd. So we came up with this elegant little cake that serves six. That's enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Oreo CheesecakeOreo cheesecake is a surefire way to the heart of anyone who loves cookies and cream. Folds crushed Oreos into a classic vanilla cheesecake and then bake it into an Oreo crust.
Croissant Bread PuddingClassic bread pudding is given a boost with the addition of buttery croissants, spiced apple butter and a brown sugar streusel topping. This decadent croissant bread pudding works for brunch, dessert or an anytime treat.
Rum CakeThis sweet and spirited rum cake recipe is irresistible. No crumb will be left behind.
Baklava CheesecakeWith a phyllo dough crust, a spiced ground walnut layer and a mascarpone and honey cheesecake filling, this baklava cheesecake satisfies the sophisticated sweet tooth.
Mimosa Butter CookiesYou can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
Chocolate CheesecakeWhat's better than buying a chocolate cheesecake? Making a homemade chocolate cheesecake yourself! This cheesecake is chocolate throughout, and it has a crushed chocolate cookie crust.
Frosted Peanut CookiesOats, chopped peanuts and peanut butter frosting make this a nice change of pace from a traditional peanut butter cookie. After folks sample these, compliments and recipe requests always follow. —Alicia Surma, Tacoma, Washington
Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic BrowniesOur copycat Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies taste just like everyone's favorite '90s snack cake.
Chocolate Maple BarsMy family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan
Blackberry PieCelebrate the summer harvest with our blackberry pie. One slice, and you’ll see why this pie is the best pie.
Lemon Ricotta CakeThis lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced SnickerdoodlesI love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Caramel BrowniesSatisfy your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a hearty swirl of caramel layered throughout, these brownies will be a delight the next time you're craving decadence.
