Can I use apple sauce instead of grated apples?

Name: Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour); 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp apple pie spice; 2 large eggs; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter; ½ tsp fine sea salt; 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for homemade buttermilk); 1 cup lightly packed grated apple (1 ½ apples); Cooking oil (for cooking the waffles); 2 apples, diced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 tbsp maple syrup; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp apple pie spice (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch fine sea salt; ½ tsp tapioca starch or cornstarch; 1 tsp water

You probably can, but I haven't tested this, so I can't give you exact measurements, but a whole cup of apple sauce would most likely be too much. 1/2 cup would probably be enough.

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

Description

These Apple Cinnamon Waffles have grated apples hidden in the batter, and they're topped with the best caramelized apples. They're freezer-friendly, really easy to make, and gluten-free!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp apple pie spice
2 large eggs
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
2 cups buttermilk (see notes for homemade buttermilk)
1 cup lightly packed grated apple (1 1/2 apples)
Cooking oil (for cooking the waffles)

Caramelized Apples

2 apples, diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp apple pie spice (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt
1/2 tsp tapioca starch or cornstarch
1 tsp water

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Instructions

Apple Cinnamon Waffles

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, melted unsalted butter, and fine sea salt.
Pour in buttermilk and whisk again to mix.
Add the dry ingredients in two batches and gently whisk and fold in until just combined.
Use a box grater to grate your apples and fold them into the batter. I like to switch to a spoon here. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Heat up your waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Brush or spray the waffle maker with cooking oil and spoon in the batter to make waffles. I do about ¼-⅓ cup of batter per waffle, but this will depend on the size of your waffle maker.
Cook the waffles for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Repeat with the rest of the batter. See notes for how to keep the waffles warm.

Caramelized Apples

Add diced apples, unsalted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to a medium pan.
Bring the mixture to a soft simmer over medium heat, stirring to mix everything.
Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes until they're soft and the sauce caramelizes.
Mix tapioca starch with water in a small bowl and pour it into the pan. Stir immediately to avoid it clumping up. Continue simmering for a minute or so until the sauce thickens.
Take the pan off the heat and serve the waffles with the warm apples and other toppings. Enjoy!

Equipment

Waffle maker

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Notes

Keep your waffles warm: Preheat your oven to 200°F and keep the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet while you finish cooking the rest of the batter. You can place them on an oven-safe wire rack to keep them crispy on both sides. Avoid stacking them because they will steam and become soggy.

Storing: Store the waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 4-5 months.

Reheating: Reheat the waffles in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or longer if you’re reheating them from frozen. You can also reheat them in a toaster.