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

Jump to:

• Ingredients in Keto Mock Applesauce
• How to Make Low Carb Mock Applesauce using Chayote Squash
• Tips on How to Make Low Carb Mock Applesauce
• More Keto and Low Carb Dessert Recipes

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! 

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!

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

• Chayote squash
• Butter
• Apple Pie Spice
• Brown Swerve
• Lemon juice
• Natural Apple Flavoring 

*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.

Cut the squash in half. Chayote have 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

More Keto and Low Carb Dessert Recipes

• Keto Mock Apple Crumble
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Cranberry Sauce & Walnut Muffins
• No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tart
• Creme Brûlée 
• Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

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.