Description
This moist and spiced applesauce cake is an easy, old-fashioned treat perfect for fall or any time you want a cozy dessert. Made with warm spices, applesauce, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s delicious on its own or topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan, and dust it lightly with flour.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the applesauce and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 45–50 minutes (for a bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For extra spice, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.