Zucchini Rhubarb Applesauce: A Healthy Twist, Life in canada

Learn how to make Zucchini Rhubarb Applesauce and sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet without them noticing.

If you’re reading this, odds are you have extra zucchini and rhubarb and are looking for recipe ideas.

Making applesauce is a non-negotiable in the CBB household every autumn, as it’s a staple as we use it in many of our recipes.

Incorporating rhubarb or even cherries into applesauce is not new; however, sneaking homegrown green zucchini into the recipe takes it to a new level.

Related: Easy Rhubarb Cherry Applesauce

For adults and children who turn their noses up at vegetables, there are ways to supplement their diets without them knowing.

Recently, I shared how we managed to get our AuDHD son to eat beets baked into his favourite double chocolate chip muffins, and he had no idea.

Although our son is not fond of applesauce, it will only benefit him if he doesn’t know it’s in his favourite snacks.

You can make my easy zucchini rhubarb applesauce in a crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop as I did.

Best Apples For Applesauce Without Sugar

For this zucchini rhubarb applesauce, sweeten it with your choice of nothing, sweetener, granulated sugar, or without refined sugar using honey or other substitutes.

I haven’t tried it, but you could add chopped dates to the applesauce or use date sugar to sweeten it.

We chose to use a brown sugar substitute and honey, which did not overpower the applesauce but added just enough to combat the tang of the rhubarb.

The best apples for applesauce without sugar are Gala apples and Paula Red apples due to their medium sweetness.

Of course, you can use whatever apples you’d like to make this recipe; however, taste to ensure you reach a desired sweetness level.

Ways To Use Rhubarb and Zucchini Applesauce

Using applesauce in baking to replace butter or oil is something I’ve done many times to make healthier recipes.

Swap 1:1 for oil (e.g., ½ cup oil → ½ cup applesauce). Keeps things moist and adds natural sweetness. Works best in cakes, muffins, and brownies.

Breakfast & Snacks Pancakes & waffles → Mix into the batter for a soft, fluffy texture with less oil. Oatmeal or overnight oats → Stir in for natural sweetness and creaminess. Smoothies → Blend in for thickness and subtle apple rhubarb flavor. Granola bars/energy bites → Acts as a binder and adds moisture.

Savory Uses Marinades & glazes → Combine with mustard, vinegar, or soy sauce for a sweet-tangy glaze for chicken or pork. Sauces → Stir into barbecue sauce or curry for natural sweetness. Soups → Add a spoonful to butternut squash or carrot soup for depth and gentle sweetness.

Desserts & Treats Frozen rhubarb zucchini applesauce pops → Freeze in molds for a healthy popsicle. Parfaits → Layer with yogurt and granola. Cakes & muffins → Works beautifully in spice cake, carrot cake, or bran muffins.

How To Make Zucchini Rhubarb Applesauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of washed, peeled, cored, and chopped apples six medium apples)
• 1 small green zucchini, diced
• 1 cup diced rhubarb
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 cup of cold water
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated white sugar (optional) or 1/2 cup brown sugar or Swerve brown sugar substitute.)
• 1 tbsp raw honey

Instructions

• Add the diced apples, zucchini, and fresh rhubarb to a medium hot pot (3-4 on the dial).
• Add the cinnamon, honey, cold water, and sugar or substitute (if applicable) and stir.
• Add 1 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon to the pot and stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to medium-low until fork-tender.
• Using a potato masher, fork, or hand blender, food processor, or blender, mash or crush to the texture you prefer. Smooth or chunky.
• Keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or by canning; the applesauce will last up to one year. You can also freeze the applesauce in portions and remove as needed.
• Enjoy warm, cold, or use it in your favourite recipes.