Tip of the Day: Applesauce instead of Butter

Tip of the Day:

Instead of using butter when baking muffins, cakes, and breads; you can use a 1:1 ratio of nonsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative. Because applesauce contains no fat, it is not only a healthier alternative but you will get a more moist texture. Let me just warn you though that although applesauce does have the same baking effect as butter, it does take a longer time in the oven. So don't panic if you stick a toothpick in the middle of the bread and still get goo when it's already been in there for the suggested amount of time.

If you do however plan to use sweetened applesauce, you should halve the amount of sugar the recipe initially calls for because sweetened applesauce also contains almost a 1:1 ratio of apples to sugar. Unless you're a sweet tooth and you like your food to be as sweet as molases. (But when I think of molases, I think of boiled moles for some reason).

This healthy alternative is not intended for cookies or brownies as their consistency tends to be different from cakes, muffins, and breads. You can use this healthier alternative, don't get me wrong, but the end product you will get will be so moist that the square of brownie or the cookie will bend and break apart picked up. But if you prefer this kind of brownie/cookie as there are some out there in the bakeries, then by all means use it!