just wondering if anybody uses applesauce in place of the oil in their cake mix recipes.

I started doing it about five years ago in an attempt to cut the fat in my baking. It works alone up to 1/3 a cup as a replacement. I spilt the difference when the recipes calls for 1/2 oil ( 1/4 oil and 1/4 apple sauce)

I'm asking because I was wondering if my cakes will be dense enought to hold up to carving or the larger character pans. I'v read a bit about the heads falling off and I'd like to avoid that if possible.

So, does anyone know from experience if applesauce will make my cake "weak"?

mommachris

The applesauce DEFINITELY changes the texture of the cake--even at a 50/50 split with oil. I personally don't care for the "tooth" you get with applesauce--but I don't know that it would affect the cakes in character pans. If you're looking to sculpt the cakes, I would think you wouldn't want to risk the applesauce substitute. Maybe you could do a practice cake and see if it would work for you or not.

I would use the oil only...3D cakes can be so funny at times, seems to have a mind of their own

This is a little off subject but I made a cake once with melted shortening instead of oil (I was out of oil!) and it seemed to make the cake denser. It was still moist and yummy but it seemed denser. That might work great for sculpting a cake. Just a thought!
Heather

I've had no problems subbing Applesauce for oil. But I prefer to use applesauce for a sidedish at dinner, than in my cakes.


MMMM Lunch!

For 3d cakes, I wouldn't do it. (I'm thinking the Stand Up Bear, Wonder Mold, Ball pan or carved cakes).

I don't even us a regular cake mix for these types of cakes--I use more of a pound cake-type batter to hold up to the gravitational pull of the Earth! lol! Seriously--I had a decapitated bear on my hands about 30 minutes before delivery to a baby shower--NEVER again! I will always use the pound cake from now on. Have had no problems since the switch.

Lisa

Lisa,

I know what you mean.

My Panda Bear legs broke(had to use alot of tooth picks to put them back together) and Winnie's head always seem to split across a little each time I make him.

thank you all for the input, I guess I'll be doing some experiments before trusting my saucy cakes.

mommachris