Applesauce Cake Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a classic comfort dessert that never goes out of style! This Applesauce Cake Recipe is the kind of treat that fills the kitchen with the irresistible scent of warm spices and sweet apples, making it perfect for family gatherings, cozy weekends, or just because. Each bite is moist, tender, and brimming with flavor, thanks to a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and stays fresh for days, so you can enjoy a slice whenever you crave a little homemade happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Applesauce Cake Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients working together to create pure deliciousness. Each one brings its own special touch, from texture to color to that unmistakable autumn aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is a must-have for this cake:
- Unsweetened applesauce (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, applesauce keeps the cake moist and naturally sweet, adding depth without excess sugar.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): This ensures a tender crumb and helps the cake stay soft for days.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, light or dark): Offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and give the cake structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a little warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake, providing body and a soft bite.
- Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift for a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic, cozy spice to the cake.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a deep, slightly sweet spice that makes the cake pop.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a lovely crunch and nutty richness.
- Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): Little pockets of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite.
How to Make Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your Applesauce Cake Recipe slides out perfectly with no sticking—plus, it makes for easy cleanup!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is totally smooth. The applesauce gives the batter its moisture, while the oil and eggs add richness and structure. Whisk until everything looks glossy and well-blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting is key here—it makes sure your spices are evenly distributed and helps create a light, fluffy cake by breaking up any flour clumps.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the less you stir, the more tender your Applesauce Cake Recipe will be! If you’re using nuts or raisins, gently fold them in at this stage for bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan so it sets up nicely before you slice it.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Applesauce Cake Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a silky glaze, or a generous swoop of cream cheese frosting for a truly decadent finish. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of toasted nuts on top adds even more flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving it for brunch, try it alongside a fruit salad or a mug of spiced chai for the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into neat squares for easy snacking, or use a round cutter to make elegant circles for a fancier dessert plate. You can also layer slices with whipped cream and fresh berries in glass jars for a cute, portable parfait—perfect for picnics or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Applesauce Cake Recipe is a joy to have on hand! Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful, making it ideal for make-ahead snacking or dessert.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you love your cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and makes the spices even more fragrant. Enjoy with a steamy mug of tea or coffee!
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but be sure to reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance the sweetness. The flavor will be a touch sweeter, but the Applesauce Cake Recipe will still be delicious and moist!
What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even light olive oil. For a lighter cake, try using half oil and half unsweetened applesauce—the texture will be a bit lighter but still tender.
Are the nuts and raisins necessary?
Not at all! Both are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smoother cake or have allergies. You can also swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fun twist on the Applesauce Cake Recipe.
Can I bake this cake in a different pan?
Absolutely! This recipe works well in a bundt pan, two 9-inch rounds, or even as cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly—a bundt may need a few extra minutes, while cupcakes will bake faster.
Is this cake good for special diets?
As written, the Applesauce Cake Recipe is dairy-free and vegetarian. To make it vegan, you can use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Always double-check your add-ins and sugar to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a slice of homemade Applesauce Cake Recipe with friends and family. It’s simple, nostalgic, and packed with flavor that always hits the spot. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring warm spices and a tender crumb. Made with unsweetened applesauce to keep it light, it’s naturally sweetened and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion or simple weekday treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the flavorful base of your cake.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the leavening agents and warm spices.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Fold in optional add-ins: If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins to add texture and flavor to the batter.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly so the cake bakes uniformly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help set the texture. Enjoy as is, or dust with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
Notes
- This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container.
- Top with a light glaze or cream cheese frosting for added sweetness and richness.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure all ingredients including sugar and optional add-ins are dairy-free.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
