Applesauce Cake

If you’ve never experienced the warmth and comfort of a classic Applesauce Cake, you’re in for a treat. This cake is everything you want in a cozy, homemade dessert—moist, spiced to perfection, and with a delightful depth of flavor thanks to the applesauce. It’s like fall in a slice, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all blending together to create a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, which makes it the ultimate comfort food when you want something simple yet totally satisfying.

This Applesauce Cake is ideal when you’re craving something sweet but not overly rich. The applesauce keeps the cake tender and moist, while the blend of spices gives it just the right amount of warmth and depth. Perfect for a family dessert, a cozy get-together, or even a fun twist for your next holiday table.

Why You’ll Love Applesauce Cake

Moist and Flavorful

The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist, so every bite feels like a soft hug. The warm spices and subtle sweetness make this cake a comforting choice for any time of year.

Simple to Make

No fancy equipment or techniques needed—just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few easy steps. Even beginners can enjoy making this cake from start to finish!

Perfectly Spiced

With a balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake is like a warm, comforting spice bomb. It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced for the right amount of flavor.

Versatile

This cake is incredibly adaptable. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even sprinkle some raisins or currants in for extra texture. You can also frost it with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent touch, or keep it simple with just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Great for Any Occasion

This Applesauce Cake is so versatile that it’s perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a special holiday celebration. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Applesauce: The star of the show. This ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds subtle sweetness, making it a perfect base for this dessert.
• Flour: The structure of the cake. All-purpose flour gives the cake its soft texture while allowing the applesauce and spices to shine.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and creates that nice, balanced flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise, creating that perfect texture.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide the comforting warmth and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture, keeping the cake tender and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic flavor.

Optional Glaze or Frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: For a simple dusting that adds a sweet finish.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer, indulgent topping, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce gives the batter a smooth, slightly thick consistency.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

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

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

Step 6: 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. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Once the cake is completely cool, slice it into squares and serve. This cake is great on its own, or you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

With Cream Cheese Frosting

For a richer treat, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled cake. The tanginess of the frosting pairs wonderfully with the warm spices of the cake.

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve a slice of this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, spiced cake with cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.

As a Snack

This cake is perfect for snacking! It’s not overly sweet, so it’s great for an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

If you’re looking for a simpler presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a light and sweet finish.

Additional Tips

Add Nuts or Dried Fruit

For a little texture and extra flavor, consider adding walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter. These additions will make the cake even more satisfying.

Make it Healthier

If you want to lighten up the recipe, consider substituting applesauce for some of the oil. You can also reduce the sugar and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Make It Gluten-Free

To make this cake gluten-free, simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The cake will still be delicious, but with a slightly different texture.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays wonderfully moist due to the applesauce. You can also refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

Freezing the Cake

This cake freezes well. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade applesauce?

A1: Yes! Homemade applesauce works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, as the sugar in the recipe is necessary for the right balance of sweetness.

Q2: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A2: Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, though the texture may be slightly denser.

Q3: Can I add a frosting to this cake?

A3: Yes, cream cheese frosting is a popular choice and pairs perfectly with the spiced flavor of the cake. You can also top it with whipped cream or a simple glaze if preferred.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A4: Yes, this cake actually improves the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?

A5: Yes! Adding chocolate chips would add a nice contrast to the warm spices. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.

Q6: How do I make this cake dairy-free?

A6: You can make this cake dairy-free by using a dairy-free milk, like almond milk, and substituting the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer.

Q7: Can I freeze this cake?

A7: Yes! This cake freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q8: How can I make this cake more moist?

A8: To make the cake even more moist, you can add a bit more applesauce or use a little yogurt in place of some of the oil.

Q9: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?

A9: Yes, brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor to the cake, making it even more delicious.

Q10: How can I make this cake gluten-free?

A10: To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Be sure to check the packaging for the correct substitution ratio.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake is the definition of a comforting, simple dessert. Moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you serve it with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just as is, this cake is sure to make your kitchen smell like heaven and leave you wanting more!

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