Can you substitute applesauce for water in a cake recipe?

You can absolutely substitute applesauce for water in a cake recipe! It's a common trick for making a healthier and moister cake. Here's why it works and how to do it:

Why it works:

* Moisture: Applesauce adds moisture to the cake, similar to water, but also provides a bit of natural sweetness.

* Fat: Applesauce contains a small amount of fat, which helps create a tender crumb.

* Healthier: Applesauce is a healthier alternative to oil or butter, offering fiber and vitamins.

How to substitute:

* Ratio: Use 1 cup of applesauce for every 1 cup of water called for in the recipe.

* Flavor: Applesauce will add a subtle apple flavor to the cake. If you want to minimize this, use unsweetened applesauce or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

* Texture: Applesauce can make the cake denser, so you might need to reduce the baking time slightly.

Important Notes:

* Unsweetened applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid making the cake overly sweet.

* Adjusting other ingredients: You may need to adjust the amount of other ingredients like sugar or spices depending on the sweetness and flavor of the applesauce.

* Not all recipes: It's best to use this substitution in recipes that already call for moisture, like carrot cake or banana bread. It might not work as well in recipes that rely on the lightness of water, like angel food cake.

Give it a try! You might be surprised at how delicious and moist your cake turns out.