Substitute Applesauce for Oil
Below is a simple trick for reducing fat while baking cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
(This is not recommended for cookies as they can become mushy)
1. Review your Recipe for Fats
Check if your recipe uses oil or melted butter.
(Not for softened butter though)
2. Substitute using a 1:1 ratio.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, just use 1/4 cup of applesauce instead!
Note:
If you’re uncertain about the effect of a full substitution, start by replacing only half of the oil or melted butter. In the example above where the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of oil, use only 1/8 cup of oil as well as 1/8 cup of applesauce. If this works well, you can try the full substitution in your next baking.
3. Finish baking as normal!
Measure the applesauce as a liquid and mix it with the wet ingredients just as you would oil.
Keep the cooking time the same, but be careful not to overbake a low-fat recipe.
