Applesauce Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, slightly spiced cake that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, Applesauce Cake is here to deliver. Imagine the richness of applesauce combined with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. This cake is moist, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for fall, but really, you’ll want to bake it year-round. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying it with your afternoon coffee, or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this cake is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Applesauce Cake

This applesauce cake has everything you want in a dessert: it’s comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

Perfectly Moist

Applesauce is the secret ingredient that makes this cake incredibly moist and tender. The result is a cake that practically melts in your mouth, with no dry crumbs in sight.

Subtly Spiced

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves add just the right amount of warmth and spice, without overpowering the natural sweetness of the applesauce. It’s that cozy flavor we all crave.

Simple and Quick to Make

No complicated steps here—just mix the ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, and bake. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a whim when the craving strikes. Plus, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry!

Versatile and Customizable

Want to switch it up? You can add raisins, walnuts, or even chopped apples for a little extra texture and flavor. It’s an easy cake to customize based on your tastes.

A Hit with Everyone

This cake has a nice balance of flavors, making it loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or a snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet delicious applesauce cake:

Applesauce

The star ingredient! It brings moisture, flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness to the cake.

Flour

All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake, giving it structure while still keeping it light and fluffy.

Sugar

Granulated sugar adds sweetness, and just the right amount balances out the spices.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s light texture.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder

These two leavening agents help the cake rise, making it fluffy and airy.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves)

These warm spices add that classic autumn flavor, making each bite taste like a cozy fall afternoon.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the cake taste perfectly balanced.

Vegetable Oil

Oil adds moisture to the cake, helping it stay soft and tender.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla brings depth and sweetness to the cake, tying all the flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious applesauce cake!

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined. This is your wet mixture.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir them together until evenly mixed.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is incorporated.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

This applesauce cake is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up:

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the flavors of the cake.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

This cake makes a great companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s light and flavorful, making it the perfect treat for a cozy break.

Add a Glaze or Frosting

Want to take it to the next level? A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even cream cheese frosting, works beautifully on this cake. Or for a more rustic look, just leave it plain!

Additional Tips

Add Mix-ins

If you like, you can add chopped walnuts, raisins, or even fresh chopped apples to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Store in an Airtight Container

Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays wonderfully moist!

Make It a Layer Cake

For a fun twist, you can divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans to make a layer cake. Frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!

Freeze for Later

You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade applesauce?

A1: Absolutely! Homemade applesauce will work perfectly and might even add a deeper flavor to the cake. Just make sure it’s smooth and unsweetened.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are also gluten-free.

Q3: Can I add other fruits to this cake?

A3: Yes! You can fold in other fruits like raisins, chopped apples, or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Q4: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

A4: You can make this cake in a different pan size, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Use a toothpick to check doneness every 5 minutes after the original time.

Q5: Can I frost this cake?

A5: Yes! A simple cream cheese frosting or caramel glaze would be delicious on this cake. You can also go for a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

Q6: How can I make this cake more flavorful?

A6: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. You can also play around with other spices like ginger or allspice.

Q7: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A7: Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q8: Can I substitute the oil with butter?

A8: You can, but using oil helps keep the cake moist. If you prefer butter, use the same amount as the oil, but keep in mind it might make the texture a little less soft.

Q9: Can I freeze this cake?

A9: Yes! Freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it.

Q10: How do I know when the cake is done?

A10: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake is everything you need in a comforting, easy-to-make dessert. It’s moist, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

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