Brownies from a mix using applesauce instead of oil?

[jrmd]

I have to make brownies from a mix that calls for 1/2 cup oil. I always make banana bread from scratch using applesauce instead of butter in a 1:1 ratio, and it comes out perfect. Can I do the same with the brownie mix?

[KellBell]

Using canned pumpkin works well and also has a lot of fiber in it so it's even better for you. I use a can of pumpkin with my cake mixes instead of the eggs, oil, water. This works great.

[Zenpup]

Pureed cooked prunes or baby food jarred prune puree works much better than applesauce. Not gummy, and gives a deep, dark sweet flavor; you can't taste the prunes at all.

[jrmd]

Oh, I forgot about prune puree. I had heard about it but never tried and I have some prune baby food that my daughter has outgrown. I will give that a try. Thanks all!

[Emme]

Yup, I was going to rec prune puree too.

If you like a slight banana flavor, mashed banana puree works well too.

I've also had success substituting non-fat buttermilk for oil.

[jrmd]

I ended up using the prune baby food and they came out perfect. Thanks all.

[ChristinaMason]

Nooo!! Don't do it! I once made brownies from scratch, substituting applesauce for the butter. They came out tasting like chocolate-flavored apple bars. Not good!

Maybe a boxed mix has enough powdered milk and fat content in it to cover up the apple sauce flavor/texture, but I still wouldn't do it. I'd go half low-fat yogurt, half oil, if you want to sub anything.

[goodhealthgourmet]

you can, though sometimes it makes them a tiny bit rubbery. if you can have dairy, i'd go half applesauce, half low-fat yogurt.