11 Desserts That Are Naturally Sweet (Thanks, Applesauce!)

Who needs processed sugar when applesauce can do all the heavy lifting? These 11 naturally sweet desserts bring the flavor without the crash, proving that nutritious treats don’t have to taste like cardboard.

Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

A muffin tin of mini banana applesauce muffins. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These mini banana muffins are super moist, filled with chocolate chips, and sweetened naturally with applesauce. Perfect for playdates, quick breakfasts, or packing in lunchboxes, they’re also a delicious way to use up overripe bananas. Get the recipe: Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce

A bowl of unsweetened applesauce. — Image Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

Homemade unsweetened applesauce is delicious, versatile, and so easy to make. It only takes a few simple steps and is much tastier than store-bought. Get the recipe: Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A tray of applesauce oatmeal cookies. — Image Credit: Raepublic

Gluten-free, plant-based, and sweetened with homemade applesauce—these oatmeal raisin cookies check all the boxes. Perfectly chewy with just the right texture, they’re proof that nutritious baking still delivers. Get the recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Stuffed Apples

One bite of these cinnamon oatmeal stuffed apples, sweetened with applesauce, and you’ll never look at oatmeal the same way again. Warm, cozy, and naturally sweet—this is comfort food done right. Get the recipe: Oatmeal Stuffed Apples

Moist Date Cake Recipe

A plate of moist date cake. — Image Credit: My Chef’s Apron

This easy date cake is packed with warm spices and naturally sweetened with dates and applesauce, with no refined sugar needed. It’s delicious enough for dessert and wholesome enough for breakfast. Just mix, bake, and let the oven do the work. Get the recipe: Moist Date Cake Recipe

Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins with Applesauce

A plate of greek yogurt banana applesauce muffins. — Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

These Greek yogurt banana muffins are perfect for breakfast, lunch boxes, or a mid-afternoon snack. Sweetened naturally with applesauce and banana and topped with crunchy walnuts, they’re made without butter, oil, or refined sugar, just pure, fluffy, and nutritious goodness. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins with Applesauce

Apple Cinnamon Bread

This apple cinnamon bread is the perfect loaf, filled with apple chunks and a hint of cinnamon. Not overly sweet, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and made without oil, it tastes like apple cake. Get the recipe: Apple Cinnamon Bread

Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake

A plate of applesauce cake. — Image Credit: My Chef’s Apron

This gluten-free applesauce cake is easy, dairy-free, and packed with dried apricots and walnuts. Perfect for brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast, it’s naturally sweet and one to add to your lineup. Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake

Healthy Pumpkin Cake with Applesauce

A bowl of pumpkin cake with applesauce. — Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

This healthy pumpkin cake with applesauce is like a cross between lava cake and pumpkin pie. It’s the perfect nutritious yet decadent dessert with a creamy pumpkin pudding layer, crunchy pecans, and a moist, spiced cake. Get the recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Cake with Applesauce

Sugar-free Apple Muffins

These apple muffins are packed with apple flavor and sweetened naturally with applesauce, making them dairy-free and sugar-free. A perfect snack for kids and adults alike, they’re ready in just 40 minutes with no fancy baking skills required. Just mix, pop in the oven, and enjoy. Get the recipe: Sugar-free Apple Muffins

Baked Apples

Baked apples are the ultimate comfort food, and this simple recipe hits all the right notes. Naturally sweetened, packed with fiber and antioxidants, and more nutritious than your typical apple dessert, what’s not to love? Get the recipe: Baked Apples