Keto Mock Applesauce (Sugar-Free)

The taste and texture of chayote squash makes the perfect low carb substitute for apples in this healthy sweet Keto mock “apple” sauce.

closeup of mock applesauce in white dish with chayote squash and cinnamon in background

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This low carb substitute for applesauce is surprisingly similar to the real thing!  It has the warm spice flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cardamom that’s in Apple Pie Spice mix.  You can also use this spice mix in Keto Mock Apple Crumble, which is out of this world delicious! 

closeup mock applesauce in white square dish with chayote squash in background

It’s similar to Pumpkin Pie Spice, but without cloves and also has allspice and cardamom added.  And just as the name indicates, you can use it in recipes that you want to taste like apple pie!

5 chayote squash in white bowl

You may or may not have heard of chayote squash before.  It has a somewhat similar mild flavor as zucchini, but a texture that is closer to an apple or pear.  And ironically, it has the color of a granny smith apple and the shape of a pear!

I’m so impressed with it, that I’ve created a few more recipes using chayote squash and these flavors, including Mock Apple Muffins and a Mock Apple Crumble, which are just incredible!!  You can look for those in the coming weeks ahead, and I think you’ll be just as impressed with it, once you give it a try!

Ingredients in Keto Mock Applesauce

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Low Carb Mock Applesauce using Chayote Squash

Using a small vegetable peeler or small pairing knife, peel the chayote squash.

peeled chayote squash on butting board with knife

Cut the squash in half. Chayote have a pit that you’ll want to remove.

chayote squash on cutting board cut in half with seed

Then chop the chayote squash into bite size pieces.

diced chayote squash on cutting board

Heat a skillet to low heat and melt the butter.  Add in the squash and sauté for 3 minutes, covered.  

diced chayote squash in pan cooking in butter

Add in the Brown Swerve, apple pie spice, apple flavoring and lemon, then continue sautéing for 5 minutes (covered) or until fork tender.

Depending on the size of the pieces this may take a little longer. Just be sure they are tender before removing from them from the heat.

diced chayote squash in pan with brown sugar and spice

While the mixture is still warm, puree using an immersion blender, mini chopper or food processor.  

The texture should closely resemble that of apple sauce.

chayote squash in pan with brown sugar butter cooking

Serve either warm over ice cream, pancakes, waffles or all on it’s own.  Or you can serve it chilled like traditional applesauce.  Personally, I think it’s best served warm! Store leftovers in the fridge for several days.

closeup of mock applesauce in white dish with chayote squash and cinnamon in background

Note: If you want it on the chunkier side puree as is. If you want it a little looser, add in 1-2 teaspoons of water while still in the pan and mix, then puree.

Be sure to also check out this scrumptious Low Carb Apple Pie!

mock applesauce in white square dish with chayote squash in background

Tips on How to Make Low Carb Mock Applesauce

What Flavorings are Best in Keto Mock Applesauce?

Although the Natural Apple Flavoring is optional, it’s highly recommended!  The recipe will still be great without it, but this really takes it to the next level.  Alternatively, you can use a good apple extract.  I’ve tried a few and really didn’t like the flavor, but the one I ended up with is really great!  It’s actually used to flavor beer and wine, so I thought I’d give it a shot and it’s by far the best one I’ve ever used!

Brown Swerve is used to sweeten up the applesauce, which is really the best option.  It has such a wonderful, almost molasses flavor to it that is just perfect in this recipe.  It’s much easier to find now, than it once was, they even sell it at Walmart.  There’re so many recipes you can use it in as well!

If you can’t find Brown Swerve, you can use another Keto friendly brown sugar substitute instead.  As a last resort, you could use Swerve Confectioners, but it won’t have that same brown sugar-like flavor.

A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice is used for a little added tartness that real apples have.  You definitely don’t want to skip it, it’s a key ingredient in this recipe!

And probably the most essential ingredient is Apple Pie Spice mix.  If you don’t have all the ingredients needed to make it, and would rather just purchase a ready-made Apple Pie Spice, you certainly can.  The measurements will remain the same. Just be sure to look for added sugars in store bought spices.

apple pie spice mix being held over glass jar in wooden spoon

How to Use a Keto Mock Applesauce

There are so many things you can use this for, beside enjoying it as is!  You can leave it diced and use it as a Keto Apple Pie Filling and bake it in a gluten-free pie crust.  You can slightly puree it and serve it warm over ice cream, pancakes or waffles.  You can completely puree it and use it in your pancake, waffle or chaffle batter.  

I used it to create a Mock Applesauce Muffins and Mock Apple Crumble, which are both absolutely amazing (recipes to follow soon)!  The muffins use one serving of this recipe in the batter, which gives them tremendous flavor and keeps them nice and moist.  Seriously, if you make this recipe, make a double batch, because you’ll definitely want to try the muffins!

5 chayote squash in white bowl

Is Chayote Squash Keto?

It makes one of the best substitutes for apples and because it’s low in carbs, it’s perfect for Keto!  Chayote squash also has some impressive health benefits, you can read more about them in this article!

How Many Carbs in Chayote Squash?

1 chayote squash has only 4g net carbs and it’s very filling too!

closeup mock applesauce in white square dish with chayote squash in background

More Keto and Low Carb Dessert Recipes

If you’d like to know more about baking on Keto, this article, Keto Baking Made Easy, is loaded with tips and info that you’ll find helpful. You might also check out my Keto Sweet Treats eBook that has 50 amazing Keto dessert recipes, all with color pics, macros and more! I’m offering it at 50% off when you subscribe to my free weekly emails here.

mock applesauce in white square dish with chayote squash in background
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mock applesauce in white square dish with chayote squash in background

Keto Mock Applesauce (Sugar-Free)

This Keto version of “apple” sauce has the same texture and flavor of applesauce, without using real apples! Chayote squash is a Low Carb substitute for apples in this healthy sweet treat!
5 from 2 votes
Author: Julianne
Servings 1
PREP 2 minutes
COOK 8 minutes
TOTAL 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Wash, and peel, the chayote squash. Cut the squash in half and there’s a pit that you’ll want to remove. Then chop the chayote squash into bite size pieces.
  • Heat a skillet to low heat and melt the butter. Add in the squash and sauté for 3 minutes, covered.
  • Add in the Brown Swerve, apple pie spice, apple flavoring and lemon, then continue sautéing for 5 minutes (covered) or until fork tender.
  • While the mixture is still warm, puree using an immersion blender, mini chopper or food processor. Serve either warm over ice cream, pancakes, waffles or all on it’s own. Or you can serve it chilled like traditional applesauce. Personally, I think it's best served warm! Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for several days.

Recipe Notes

If you want it on the chunkier side puree as is. If you want it a little looser, add in 1-2 teaspoons of water while still in the pan and mix, then puree.

*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 127kcal
Nutrition Facts
Keto Mock Applesauce (Sugar-Free)
Amount per Serving
Calories
127
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

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5 from 2 votes

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8 Comments

    1. I couldn’t agree more. I was so pleased with how it turned out. Thanks so much for the review.

  1. 5 stars
    Wow was this ever good! I finally found the chayote squash at a store about 45 minutes from me but it was worth the drive as this recipe is so easy and so tasty! My honey couldn’t believe it wasn’t actually applesauce! I bought quite a few of the squash so I have extra to make some into the muffins, etc.

  2. I made this to go with the applesauce muffins. It was really tastee and did make the muffins really moist. One question I have is that when cooking the squash it didn’t look like your picture. The pieces had the spices and swerve stuck to them. It turned out ok when I processed then for the muffins, but just wondered about that.

    1. I’m not sure what you mean to be honest. I’ve made this mixture a number of times and it always turns out the same. Maybe your temp was too low?