Applesauce is a favorite, useful food in many kitchens. It’s easy to make, healthy, and loved by people of all ages. However, plain applesauce can sometimes taste a bit dull, leading many to ask, “What can I add to applesauce to make it taste better?” Fortunately, applesauce is like a blank canvas that can be made tastier in many ways. In this article, we’ll explore different ingredients and techniques that can take your applesauce from simple to amazing.
Spices You Can Add to Applesauce to Make It Taste Better
Enhancing Applesauce with Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices to add to applesauce. It brings a warm, comforting flavor that matches perfectly with the natural taste of apples. You can also try making Cinnamon Applesauce from Scratch for a more homemade touch. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your applesauce can instantly improve its flavor. If you want to experiment, try different types of cinnamon. For example, Ceylon cinnamon is sweeter and more delicate, while Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, spicier taste.
Adding Nutmeg for Extra Flavor
Nutmeg is another great spice to improve the flavor of applesauce. With its slightly sweet and nutty taste, nutmeg adds depth. A pinch of nutmeg can go a long way, so Use just a little nutmeg so it doesn’t take over the taste of the applesauce. Nutmeg works well with other spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a well-rounded flavor that many people enjoy.
Including Cloves for a Unique Twist
Cloves offer a strong, aromatic flavor that can add a unique twist to your applesauce. Just a small pinch of ground cloves is enough to make a noticeable difference. Cloves are particularly good when mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a spiced applesauce that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Boosting Flavor with Ginger
Ginger adds a zesty kick to applesauce, making it more interesting and flavorful. You can use fresh grated ginger for a more intense flavor or ground ginger for a milder taste. Additionally, ginger pairs well with citrus fruits and honey, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
Sweeteners to Enhance the Taste of Applesauce
Using Honey to Sweeten Applesauce
If you’re wondering, “What can I add to applesauce to make it taste better?” honey might be the answer. Honey is a natural sweetener that not only adds sweetness but also depth to applesauce. Depending on the type of honey you choose—whether it’s wildflower, clover, or manuka—the flavor can vary from mild to rich. A tablespoon of honey stirred into your applesauce can enhance its sweetness without overwhelming the natural apple flavor. According to the National Honey Board, honey also offers various health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for improving your applesauce.
Enhancing Applesauce with Maple Syrup
Maple syrup brings a rich, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with applesauce. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweetness and a hint of caramel, making the applesauce more indulgent. This is especially good if you’re looking for a comforting, dessert-like applesauce. Maple syrup also works well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, adding even more flavor.
Sweetening Applesauce with Brown Sugar
Brown sugar, with its molasses-rich flavor, is another great option for sweetening applesauce. It adds a deeper, richer sweetness compared to white sugar, which complements the tartness of apples. A tablespoon of brown sugar stirred into warm applesauce can transform it into a cozy, autumnal treat that’s perfect for cooler days.
Using Agave Nectar for a Vegan-Friendly Option
Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener that’s less intense than honey or maple syrup. It has a mild, neutral flavor, making it a great choice if you want to sweeten your applesauce without changing its natural taste too much. Agave nectar blends well with fruits and spices, offering a balanced sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the applesauce.
Fruits and Berries That Make Applesauce Taste Better
Adding Berries to Applesauce
Adding fresh or frozen berries to applesauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and texture. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries all bring their unique flavors to the mix. For instance, blueberries add a sweet, slightly tart flavor, while strawberries bring a juicy, fresh taste. Raspberries, with their bright, tangy flavor, create a lively contrast. Mixing and matching different berries can create a vibrant and flavorful applesauce.
Enhancing Applesauce with Citrus Zest
Citrus fruits are a fantastic way to add a bright, tangy flavor to applesauce. A little bit of lemon, lime, or orange zest can make the applesauce taste fresh and lively. Additionally, citrus zest adds a lovely aroma. For a balanced flavor, combine citrus zest with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Using Bananas to Improve Applesauce
Bananas are another fruit that pairs wonderfully with applesauce. Mashed bananas add a creamy texture and a natural sweetness, making the applesauce richer. For a tropical twist, combine bananas with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This combination works well as a snack or breakfast topping. For a more indulgent treat, you can try adding mashed bananas along with a hint of cinnamon, similar to the flavors in these Banana Cinnamon Rolls.
Adding Pears and Peaches for Extra Sweetness
Pears and peaches are both excellent additions to applesauce. They have a subtle sweetness that blends seamlessly with apples. Pears add a soft, buttery texture, while peaches bring a juicy, fragrant quality. You can blend these fruits into the applesauce or chop them into small pieces for added texture and flavor.
Nuts and Seeds to Add to Applesauce for a Better Taste
Adding Chopped Nuts to Applesauce
Adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds gives applesauce a satisfying crunch and richness. Nuts also add a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. For an extra flavor boost, toast the nuts before adding them to your applesauce. Nuts are not only tasty but also offer significant health benefits, as highlighted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Using Nut Butters to Improve Applesauce
Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, can transform applesauce into a creamy, protein-packed treat. A spoonful of nut butter adds richness and makes the applesauce more filling. To ensure a smooth texture, blend the nut butter well into the applesauce. This combination is particularly good for a quick, nutritious snack.
Including Seeds for Added Texture
Seeds like chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds are a great way to add texture and nutrition to applesauce. Chia and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, while pumpkin seeds add a crunchy texture. To incorporate chia or flax seeds, soak them in water first to soften them, then stir them into the applesauce. Pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Dairy and Plant-Based Options for Enhancing Applesauce
Using Yogurt to Improve Applesauce
Yogurt is a simple and effective way to add creaminess and tang to applesauce. Greek yogurt, in particular, adds a thick, rich texture and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the apples. You can also use flavored or plant-based yogurts, such as coconut or almond yogurt, to add different flavors. Mixing yogurt into applesauce makes it more satisfying and adds a boost of protein. According to the health line, yogurt is also rich in probiotics, which can be beneficial for gut health.
Adding Cream Cheese for a Richer Flavor
Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to applesauce, making it more indulgent. Stirring a dollop of cream cheese into warm applesauce creates a smooth, velvety mixture. This combination is perfect for a dessert-like applesauce, especially when paired with something as decadent as a Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake.
Enhancing Applesauce with Coconut Cream or Milk
Coconut cream or milk adds a tropical twist to applesauce. The rich, creamy texture of coconut complements the sweetness of apples and adds a subtle coconut flavor. This combination is great for making a dairy-free, plant-based version of creamy applesauce. Coconut cream also pairs well with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
Flavoring Extracts and Alcohols to Add to Applesauce
Adding Vanilla Extract for Extra Sweetness
Vanilla extract is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of applesauce. It adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the natural taste of apples. A few drops of real vanilla extract can make a big difference, turning plain applesauce into a more flavorful and fragrant treat.
Using Almond Extract for a Nutty Flavor
Almond extract adds a delicate, nutty flavor to applesauce. It’s a great choice if you want to introduce a subtle, sweet note that pairs well with fruits like cherries or spices like cinnamon. Be careful with almond extract, as it has a strong flavor—just a few drops are enough to enhance your applesauce.
Including Alcohol for a Sophisticated Twist
A splash of alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or bourbon, can add depth and warmth to applesauce. These spirits have rich, complex flavors that complement the sweetness of apples. Use alcohol sparingly, as a little goes a long way. This is a great option for creating a more sophisticated, grown-up version of applesauce, perfect for special occasions.
Creative Combinations and Recipes for Better Applesauce
Making Spiced Apple-Berry Sauce
One creative way to enhance applesauce is by combining it with spices and berries. For a spiced apple-berry sauce, start with your favorite applesauce, then stir in a mix of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries and raspberries. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to bring out the flavors. This combination creates a vibrant, flavorful sauce that’s perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. For a quick and easy treat, consider serving this sauce with Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls.
Creating a Tropical Apple Smoothie
For a refreshing and healthy treat, try making a tropical apple smoothie. Blend applesauce with coconut milk, a ripe banana, and a pinch of ginger for a smooth, creamy drink. This tropical twist on applesauce is perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day snack. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
Making a Nutty Apple Spread
A nutty apple spread is another delicious way to enjoy applesauce. Mix applesauce with almond butter and a dash of cinnamon to create a rich, creamy spread. This nutty apple spread is perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or even as a dip for fruit slices. It’s a simple, nutritious option for a quick snack or breakfast.
Serving Warm Spiced Applesauce with Cream
For a comforting dessert, serve warm spiced applesauce with a dollop of cream or yogurt. Start by warming your applesauce on the stove, then stir in a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract. Serve the warm applesauce in bowls, topped with a spoonful of cream or Greek yogurt. This cozy treat is perfect for chilly evenings or as a simple, satisfying dessert.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question, “What can I add to applesauce to make it taste better?” the possibilities are endless. For instance, from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, and even from fruits like berries and bananas to nuts and seeds, there are countless ways to enhance the flavor of applesauce. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack, a healthy breakfast option, or a comforting dessert, applesauce can be transformed into something truly special with just a few added ingredients. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find your own perfect mix. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this classic dish. Finally, if you want to know more about the benefits of cinnamon applesauce, check out What Is Cinnamon Applesauce Good For?.