Craving a cozy dessert that screams fall? This applesauce cake recipe delivers a moist, spiced cake that’s simple to make and loved by all. With warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake is a classic dessert that’s both comforting and versatile. The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist while adding a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with spices. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with pantry staples. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick Prep: Ready to bake in just 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Mix in walnuts, dried cranberries, or icing to match your preferences.
- Healthier Option: Applesauce reduces the need for oil or butter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, holidays, or casual snacking.
Curious about the secret to a perfectly tender cake? The secret lies in ingredients like applesauce, which adds moisture and flavor without extra fat.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. Most are likely in your kitchen already, making this an effortless recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Using room temperature eggs helps the batter mix smoothly, ensuring a fluffy texture. If you’re out of applesauce, you can make your own by simmering peeled apples with a splash of water until soft, then blending.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create a perfect applesauce cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F and let’s get baking!
1. Prepare the Pan
Coat the pan with butter and add parchment paper for effortless release. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean presentation.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt with a whisk. Set this aside for later.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Blend for roughly 2 minutes at medium speed. If mixing by hand, whisk vigorously to blend well.
4. Create the Batter
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until just blended. Don’t overmix, as it can lead to a heavy cake. If using walnuts or raisins, fold them into the batter now.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake is done when it’s golden and bounces back under gentle pressure.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a rack to cool fully. Enjoy it plain or spread on cream cheese icing for a luxurious touch.
Tips for the Perfect Applesauce Cake
Want to elevate your cake? These tips will ensure success every time:
- Check Doneness: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Spice it Up: Adjust cinnamon or nutmeg to taste for a bolder flavor.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Substitutions: Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil, or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
For a creamy, zesty finish, whip up this simple cream cheese icing. It pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend cream cheese and butter using a mixer until velvety.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
This frosting adds a delightful contrast to the cake’s warm spices. If you prefer a lighter option, dust the cake with powdered sugar instead.
Why Applesauce Makes Cakes Moist
Ever wondered why applesauce is a baker’s secret weapon? Applesauce acts as a natural moisturizer, replacing some of the fat while keeping the cake tender. According to baking experts at King Arthur Baking, applesauce also adds subtle sweetness and helps the cake stay fresh longer. Its high water content creates steam during baking, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture. This makes it ideal for healthier recipes without sacrificing flavor.
Variations to Try
This applesauce cake recipe is versatile. Here are some fun twists to suit different tastes or occasions:
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with ½ cup mashed banana or flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, as in our gluten-free chocolate cake, ensuring baking soda and powder are gluten-free.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¾ cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture.
- Fruit Boost: Mix in ½ cup diced apples, as in our apple coffee cake, or dried cranberries for a fruity kick.
- Bundt Cake: Use a greased bundt pan and bake for 40–45 minutes for an eye-catching shape.
These variations keep the recipe exciting and cater to dietary preferences, making it perfect for diverse gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Applesauce cake shines on its own, but thoughtful pairings can elevate the experience. Serve it with:
- A dollop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy-chilled pairing.
- A mug of warm apple cider or spiced chai for autumn flair.
- Fresh apple slices as a garnish for a rustic touch.
- Whipped cream for a lighter topping option.
This cake is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, much like our Brazilian carrot cake. Its versatility makes it a hit at potlucks or holiday parties.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong. Here are pitfalls to watch for:
- Overmixing the Batter: This leads to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure 350°F accuracy.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Without it, the cake may stick to the pan.
- Opening the Oven Door: This can cause the cake to sink. Check doneness only near the end.
Steering clear of these mistakes ensures a professional-quality cake every bake.
Nutritional Information
Curious about the health benefits? A single slice (1/12 of the cake, without frosting) contains approximately:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
Using unsweetened applesauce and reducing sugar slightly can make this a lighter dessert. For precise values, calculate based on your specific ingredients using tools like MyFitnessPal.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To keep your cake fresh, follow these guidelines:
- At Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: Wrap securely and chill for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Double-wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Proper storage ensures your cake stays moist and flavorful for days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baking can raise questions. Here are answers to common ones:
Can I Use Store-Bought Applesauce?
Yes! Unsweetened store-bought applesauce works perfectly. Homemade applesauce is great if you have time, but it’s not necessary.
How Do I Know When the Cake Is Done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. The cake is done if the toothpick is clean or has slight crumbs. If it’s sticky, bake for 5 more minutes and retest.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike many recipes online, this applesauce cake balances simplicity with rich flavor. It’s tested for consistency, uses minimal equipment, and includes tips for customization. Based on insights from top baking sites like Allrecipes and The Pioneer Woman, this version avoids common pitfalls like overly dense textures or bland flavors. The addition of optional frosting and variations ensures it appeals to a wide audience, from beginners to experienced bakers.
Conclusion: Bake It Today!
This applesauce cake recipe is your ticket to a delicious, stress-free dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its moist texture, warm spices, and easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because, this cake delivers every time. Try it today and share your thoughts below—did you add frosting or keep it simple? Happy baking!
Applesauce Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- Cream Cheese Frosting Optional
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Make Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in walnuts or raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting: For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Spread over cooled cake.
- Serve: Slice and serve plain or frosted, as desired.
Notes
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Tips:
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
- Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Freeze unfrosted cake, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
-
Variations:
- Vegan: Replace eggs with 1/2 cup mashed banana or 2 flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring baking soda and powder are gluten-free.
- Nutty: Add 3/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
- Fruity: Mix in 1/2 cup diced apples or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Bundt: Bake in a greased bundt pan for 40–45 minutes for a decorative shape.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
