creative Substitutes for Cinnamon in Apple Sauce and Sweet Stewed Fruit Sauce

When it comes to adding flavor to apple sauce or a sweet stewed fruit sauce, cinnamon is a popular choice. However, if you want to add a twist or try something unique, there are several other spices and ingredients that can effectively substitute for cinnamon. In this guide, we explore some creative alternatives, including apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, and other spices like ground clove, nutmeg, cardamom, and even brown butter and orange zest. Expand your culinary horizons and elevate your desserts with these flavorful substitutes.

Why Try Substitutes for Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a beloved spice with a warm, sweet, and subtle flavor that complements apples and other fruits beautifully. However, trying different substitutes can introduce new layers of flavor, add complexity to your dishes, and make your desserts stand out. From apple pie spice to ground cloves, each substitute brings its own unique character, making your recipes more interesting and exciting.

Apple Pie Spice and Pumpkin Pie Spice as Substitutes

1. Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie spice is a blend of spices commonly used in apple pie recipes, including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger. While cinnamon is the dominant flavor, the presence of other spices can add a more complex and rounded flavor profile to your apple sauce. Here’s how to use it:

Blend 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice with your apples. Try a 2:1 ratio of apple pie spice to cinnamon for a milder but still distinctive flavor.

2. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is another popular blend that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, and allspice. It is designed to complement the flavors of pumpkin and other fall ingredients, but works well as a substitute in apple sauce recipes as well. Here’s how to use it:

Use pumpkin pie spice in a 1:1 ratio with cinnamon. Or try a 2:1 ratio of pumpkin pie spice to cinnamon for a richer and more complex flavor.

Other Great Substitutes

While apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice are commonly used, there are several other spices and ingredients you can incorporate into your apple sauce and sweet stewed fruit sauces. Here are some great alternatives:

Ground Clove, Nutmeg, and Cardamom

Ground Clove: Clove has a strong, warm flavor that works well with apples. Use it in small amounts to avoid overwhelming the dish. Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements apples and other fruits. It’s often paired with cinnamon, but can stand alone. Cardamom: This spice has a unique, sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with apples. It’s particularly popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice is a premixed blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. While it’s often associated with pumpkin, it can be a fantastic substitute for cinnamon in apple-based dishes. Here’s how to use it:

Use pumpkin spice about half as much as you would use cinnamon, adjusting to taste. Or, blend pumpkin spice with other spices like nutmeg or clove for a more complex flavor profile.

Innovative Additions to Apple Sauce

While spices are the primary way to substitute for cinnamon, you can also add some unconventional ingredients to create unique flavors in your apple sauce:

Butter and Orange Zest

Brown Butter: Brown butter brings a nutty, caramelized flavor to apple sauce. Cook the butter until it turns a golden brown, then use it in place of regular butter. Orange Zest: The citrusy flavor of orange zest can add a refreshing twist to your apple sauce. Grate a small orange and mix it with the apples.

Conclusion

Next time you’re making apple sauce or stewing fruits, consider trying one of these creative substitutes for cinnamon. Whether you choose apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, or even brown butter and orange zest, you’ll add a new dimension of flavor to your dishes. Feel free to experiment and find your own unique blend that suits your taste.