Why do people put applesauce in brownies??

Question

What does it do?

Answer 1

They use it as a substitute for fat. It adds the moisture and flavor that the missing fat would add.

Answer 2

Cooks are CONSTANTLY experimenting. Can you imagine breakfast if cereal makers had stopped with Corn Flakes. How about ordering two eggs without specifying how to cook them because "over easy" is the only way anyone knows how to cook them. I could list examples until the memory in your computer was stuffed.

I'll tell you the truth, I am diabetic, and so thankful for these creative cooks. Some of the experiments benefit me and other people with special dietary needs. Bless them all and especially my oldest daughter who will try anything at all to add some variety to Dad's diet.

As for specifically applesauce in brownies, my daughter cooks them with Splenda and applesauce and I love them. They still have carbohydrates so I must limit my intake but with the sugar gone and a lot of the fat gone it makes a much healthier snack for me. BTW, they are good enough she hides some for me before she lets anyone in the family know about them. When the word gets out the Brownies don't last very long.

Answer 3

You can replace a certain amount of the "fat" used in some baking recipes by substituting applesauce. I think you can replace about half of the fat (oil, shortening, butter) with an equal amount of applesauce without effecting the flavor or texture of the baked good negatively.

This would only work for "cake-like" things like brownies, some cookies, breads, muffins, etc. You couldn't use this trick in a pie crust or shortbread cookie, for example, because the composition of those treats rely completely on the chemistry of the fat in the baking process. ; )

Answer 4

Applesauce is much healthier for you then oil. It also acts as a moistening agent so that the brownies do not turn out dry. You do not taste apple's at all after you have baked the brownies. I use to think stuff like that was gross too until changed my eatting habits and become a healthier me..

Answer 5

You can use applesauce instead of cooking oil; it makes the brownies nice & moist, adds fiber to your diet & it cuts back on oils/fats as well.

Answer 6

Makes them moist and adds zero fat.

Here's a recipe:

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup shortening
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan. In a microwave oven or over a double boiler, melt shortening and chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, blend together the sugar, eggs, applesauce and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chocolate mixture. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before cutting into squares.

Answer 7

Applesauce is used in some recipes in replacement of the "fats" that are added. It does work...try it sometime. It's alot more healthy also.

Answer 8

You can use apple sauce in many cakes, cookies, and pastries as a substitute for butter or margerine, to cut down on the fat. The end result is delicious and moist baked goods.

Answer 9

Scrappykins has it. It's a great way to lower the fat in brownies and other baked good.

Answer 10

to make the inside of the brownie moiust and not as fatening