I use bananas all the time to substitute in cooking, if I don’t have applesauce or apples around. Mash a ripe banana and follow the measurement for applesauce. A very slight difference in taste but great, healthy alternative. read more
Applesauce makes a very poor substitute for flour, for example, but a great substitute for oils in low fat baking, and when people talk about using applesauce in baking, they usually mean reduced-fat baking. read more
For muffins: in a small bowl mix together first 7 dry ingredients. In another large bowl whisk together eggs and brown sugar until well combined. Add in melted butter whisking continuously until mixture is creamy. Stir in applesauce. Fold in flour mixture until JUST combined. Stir in nuts. Divide the batter evenly between muffin tins. read more