Can you use applesauce instead of eggs in cornbread?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can use applesauce instead of eggs in cornbread recipes. Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to cornbread just like eggs do. Typically, you’ll want to use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg called for in the recipe. The applesauce will provide a similar texture, moisture and structure that eggs normally give to cornbread. It’s an easy substitution for people who are vegan, have an egg allergy or simply don’t have eggs on hand.

Ingredients Needed for Substitution

To replace eggs with applesauce in cornbread, you will need:

• Cornbread mix or individual dry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, etc.
• Unsweetened applesauce (regular or flavored varieties will work)
• Milk, buttermilk or water based on cornbread recipe
• Oil, butter or other fats called for in recipe
• Any additional mix-ins like cheese, jalapeños, kernels of corn, etc.

Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce without extra sugar or flavorings added. This will provide the most neutral flavor and best texture in cornbread.

Substitution Ratio

The general substitution ratio is:

• 1 egg = 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

So if a cornbread recipe calls for 2 eggs, you would use 1/2 cup applesauce.

For every egg, swap in 1/4 cup applesauce in the recipe. This ratio provides the best moisture, structure and binding effects in cornbread as eggs normally would.

Make Substitution in Recipe

Making this egg to applesauce substitution is easy:

1. Look at cornbread recipe and note how many eggs are required.
2. Measure out proper amount of unsweetened applesauce based on 1/4 cup per egg.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients like milk, oil, and now applesauce instead of eggs.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Pour batter into greased baking dish and bake according to recipe instructions, usually at 375°F to 400°F for 15 to 30 minutes.
7. Let cornbread cool slightly before cutting and serving.

The substitution will give you an egg-free cornbread with a moist texture and delicious flavor!

Why Applesauce Works

Applesauce can successfully stand in for eggs in cornbread for a few reasons:

• Binding – Eggs help bind cornbread batter together. Applesauce contains pectin which acts as a binder when baked.
• Moisture – Eggs add moisture and richness in cornbread. Applesauce keeps cornbread moist and tender too.
• Leavening – Eggs help cornbread rise and get lift while baking. Applesauce provides lightness.
• Structure – Protein in eggs gives structure to cornbread as it bakes. Applesauce mimics this effect.
• Flavor – Unsweetened applesauce has a relatively neutral flavor that doesn’t alter the cornbread taste.

Since applesauce contains pectin, acidity and moisture like eggs, it can produce very similar results in cornbread recipes.

Pro Tips

Here are some extra tips when using applesauce in cornbread:

• Use room temperature or warmed applesauce so it mixes in smoothly.
• Stick to unsweetened applesauce without extra flavors or sugars.
• You can use regular or chunky applesauce styles.
• Check cornbread 5 minutes early as applesauce can speed up baking time slightly.
• Add a touch more milk or buttermilk if batter seems dry.
• For cornier flavor, stir in extra corn kernels with the batter.
• Top baked cornbread with a pat of butter, honey or maple syrup.

With a few simple baking adjustments, the applesauce substitution works wonderfully in cornbread recipes.

Recipe Variations

You can use applesauce in all types of cornbread recipes:

• Classic Skillet Cornbread – Sweetened with a touch of sugar and honey for quintessential Southern-style cornbread right from the oven.
• Jalapeno Cornbread – Spiced up with chopped pickled jalapenos for a kick of heat and crunch.
• Corn and Bacon Cornbread – Studded with corn kernels and crispy cooked bacon for irresistible cornbread.
• Cheddar Cheese Cornbread – Buttery, moist cornbread swirled with shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese.
• Vegan Cornbread – Dairy-free and egg-free recipe perfect for vegans and those with food allergies.
• Gluten-Free Cornbread – Made with gluten-free flour blend and cornmeal for an allergy-friendly cornbread.

No matter what type of cornbread you’re baking, applesauce can successfully replace the eggs.

Nutrition Information

Here is the nutrition information for a 1-inch square piece of basic cornbread made with applesauce instead of eggs:

Nutrition Facts	Amount
Calories	70
Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	1g
Fiber	1g

Key nutrients in cornbread made with applesauce include:

• Carbohydrates from cornmeal and flour
• Small amounts of fat from oil or butter
• Protein from corn, flour and applesauce
• Vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and potassium
• Fiber from the whole grain cornmeal

Just like regular cornbread, applesauce cornbread can be a tasty and wholesome baked good when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

Cost Savings

Using applesauce is a cost-effective substitute for eggs in baking recipes. Based on average grocery store pricing in the United States:

• 1 egg costs about $0.15 – $0.20 each
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce costs about $0.10 – $0.15

Since you use 1/4 cup applesauce per egg replaced, the applesauce is the cheaper ingredient. It can save you a few cents per cornbread recipe.

The savings add up most in large batch baking when making treats for a crowd or big family. Applesauce is an affordable egg replacement to make budget-friendly cornbread.

Egg Allergies

For people with egg allergies, using applesauce instead of eggs allows them to enjoy delicious cornbread safely:

• About 1% of children have an egg allergy, sometimes outgrowing it.
• Symptoms may include hives, stomach pain, nasal congestion, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Reactions can range from mild to the severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
• Avoiding egg-containing foods is the only way to prevent reactions.
• Applesauce lets you make “egg-free” cornbread for those with egg allergies.
• Always check ingredient labels carefully for hidden eggs in packaged foods.

Talk to your doctor about appropriate allergy precautions and emergency treatment. With proper care, egg allergies don’t have to prevent enjoying delicious cornbread and other baked goods.

Vegan Diets

Vegans also benefit from using applesauce in cornbread recipes:

• Vegans do not eat any animal products including eggs and dairy.
• A vegan diet is 100% plant-based for ethical, environmental or health reasons.
• Replacing eggs allows vegans to bake delicious cornbread and other treats.
• Dairy ingredients like buttermilk can also be substituted with non-dairy options.
• Enjoy cornbread at potlucks, family dinners and other occasions.

Applesauce gives the same baking results without using animal products. Cornbread makes a satisfying plant-based dessert or side dish for vegan lifestyles.

Environmental Impact

Using applesauce instead of eggs has a positive environmental effect:

• Applesauce has a much lower carbon footprint than eggs.
• Commercial egg production generates greenhouse gas emissions and manure pollution.
• Growing apples uses fewer resources like land, water and energy inputs.
• Transportation, storage and packaging for applesauce is more efficient.
• Homemade applesauce has minimal processing compared to egg production.
• Small individual actions like using applesauce over eggs make a meaningful cumulative impact.

Choosing plant-based egg alternatives positively affects the environment over time.

Conclusion

Applesauce is an excellent replacement for eggs when baking cornbread recipes. By using a 1/4 cup per egg ratio substitution, the applesauce replicates the binding, moisture, structure and texture that eggs provide in cornbread. With just a few simple baking adjustments, you can make fluffy, delicious cornbread without eggs. This substitution is handy for vegans, people with allergies and anyone looking to use up applesauce. Making small sustainable food choices like opting for plant-based ingredients can ultimately have a meaningful environmental benefit over time. So next time a cornbread recipe calls for eggs, consider using wholesome, eco-friendly applesauce instead.