Name: Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, an Applesauce Cake is the answer. This moist and flavorful cake is packed with warm spices, making it a great option for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

What is Applesauce Cake?

An Applesauce Cake is a spiced cake made with applesauce as one of its key ingredients. The applesauce not only provides moisture but also adds a subtle sweetness, making this cake perfect for those who prefer less sugar. It’s typically flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it a comforting and aromatic profile. The cake can be served on its own or topped with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Tender Texture

The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist, ensuring it stays soft and tender for days. Unlike many other cakes that can dry out, this applesauce cake retains its perfect texture and flavor, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

2. Perfectly Spiced

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as the cake bakes. The spices are balanced, so the cake is flavorful without being overwhelming, making it ideal for those who enjoy subtle spiced desserts.

3. Versatile and Easy to Customize

This cake can be enjoyed plain or topped with frosting, or even paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add raisins, walnuts, or chopped apples for extra texture and flavor, making this cake as versatile as you like.

4. Healthier Option

Using applesauce as the main source of sweetness means you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake, making it a slightly healthier dessert option. Plus, applesauce adds a boost of vitamins and fiber.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups applesauce (unsweetened for a healthier option)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
1 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
½ cup vegetable oil (or you can use melted butter for a richer flavor)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil (or butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

If desired, fold in walnuts, raisins, or chopped apples for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as is, or top with your favorite frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for the Perfect Applesauce Cake

Use unsweetened applesauce for a healthier cake, but if you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can opt for sweetened applesauce.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Experiment with mix-ins like raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut for a personal touch.

Serving Suggestions

Frosting: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance its flavor with a simple glaze or frosting. A cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the spiced flavor of the cake, or you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze for a light touch.
Topping Ideas: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday treat, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style. Plus, it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your tastes, and is guaranteed to be loved by everyone who tries it!

Serving and Storage Tips for Applesauce Cake

Serving Tips:

Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: Applesauce cake can be served warm right out of the oven for a comforting, freshly baked treat. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. You can also enjoy it at room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Top with Frosting or Glaze: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding a simple frosting or glaze. A cream cheese frosting or a light powdered sugar glaze complements the spices in the cake perfectly. For a lighter option, consider a dusting of powdered sugar.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For a special dessert, serve a slice of applesauce cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. The creamy texture balances the spiced cake beautifully.
Pair with a Hot Beverage: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or chai. The warm spices and moist texture make it the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon.
Make It a Layer Cake: If you’re looking to make this cake extra special, consider turning it into a layered cake by baking it in two round pans and frosting the layers with your favorite frosting or whipped cream.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This cake tends to stay moist due to the applesauce, so it will keep its soft texture when stored properly.
Refrigeration: If you have leftovers and want to keep the cake fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing Applesauce Cake: Applesauce cake can be frozen if you need to store it for a longer time. To freeze, wrap the cake (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
Individual Servings: If you want to enjoy individual servings later, slice the cake into portions before wrapping and freezing. This way, you can take out just as many pieces as you need.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Applesauce Cake over multiple days and keep it fresh for longer!

1. Can I use sweetened applesauce in this recipe?

Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce if you prefer a sweeter cake. However, keep in mind that the cake may be slightly sweeter than intended, so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup to balance the sweetness.

2. Can I make applesauce cake without eggs?

Yes, you can make applesauce cake without eggs by using an egg substitute. Common alternatives include 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce (to replace each egg), or you can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). These substitutes will still help maintain the moist texture of the cake.

3. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts, raisins, or even chopped apples can enhance the flavor and texture of your applesauce cake. Just fold them into the batter before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.

4. How do I know when the applesauce cake is fully baked?

To check if the applesauce cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is fully baked. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.

Applesauce Cake