The Best Applesauce Cake Recipe: A Moist & Flavorful Classic

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake Recipe

Hey there, cake lover! Let’s talk about why this applesauce cake recipe is about to become your new favorite.

First off, it’s incredibly easy—just one bowl, simple ingredients, and no complicated steps. If you can stir, you can make this cake.

Speaking of delicious and easy cake recipes, if you’re a fan of apple-flavored treats, you might also enjoy this Apple Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s another great option to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort, and it features the perfect blend of apples and spices—just like this applesauce cake.

Now, back to the star of the show.

Second, it’s moist, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweet, thanks to the applesauce. That means a soft, tender crumb without needing tons of butter or oil. It’s like a warm hug in cake form!

And let’s not forget the versatility—enjoy it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, dress it up with cream cheese frosting, or mix in nuts or raisins if you’re feeling fancy.

Whether you need a cozy dessert, a holiday treat, or just an excuse to bake, this applesauce cake recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. And if one slice turns into two (or three)… I totally get it. 😉

If you’re someone who enjoys diving into the stories behind classic cakes, you might appreciate a little history with your baking. Check out this fascinating historical cake recipe that takes you on a journey through time, showcasing how cakes have evolved. It’s a great way to add some extra fun to your next baking session while learning about the sweet past of this beloved dessert!

Applesauce Cake Ingredients Guide

This applesauce cake recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, making it an easy go-to treat whenever you need a cozy, spiced dessert.

The Star Ingredient: Applesauce

1 cup unsweetened applesauce – Keeps the cake moist, naturally sweet, and full of flavor. Bonus: it also reduces the need for extra butter or oil!

Spices for Warmth and Flavor

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The ultimate cozy spice!
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way for that classic spiced cake flavor.
¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional) – Enhances the other spices beautifully.

Other Essential Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure.
¾ cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake extra moist.
2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because vanilla makes everything better.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise well.
½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a little extra lift.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional) – For a little texture and extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Applesauce Cake

This applesauce cake recipe is as easy as mix, bake, and enjoy! Follow these simple steps to create a moist, perfectly spiced cake that’s sure to be a favorite.

Preparing the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice).
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.

Baking the Cake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Cooling & Serving Tips

✔ Let the cake cool completely before slicing—this helps it set and prevents crumbling.
✔ For a simple finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze.
✔ Feeling fancy? Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
✔ Serve with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because why not? 🍰☕🍨

Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy your homemade applesauce cake! 🍏✨

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this applesauce cake recipe is how versatile it is! Whether you’re looking for a healthier version, want to mix in extra goodies, or need to make it dietary-friendly, there’s a perfect way to customize it to your liking.

Healthier Options (Sugar-Free, Whole Wheat)

Swap the sugar – Replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.
Use whole wheat flour – Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. If using 100% whole wheat, add an extra tablespoon of applesauce to maintain moisture.
Reduce the oil – Cut the vegetable oil in half and replace it with Greek yogurt or more applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat cake without sacrificing moisture.

Adding Nuts, Raisins, or Chocolate Chips

Nuts – Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and extra richness. Toast them beforehand for even more flavor.
Raisins or dried fruit – Classic add-ins for an applesauce cake! Try golden raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for a little natural sweetness.
Chocolate chips – If you love a bit of indulgence, toss in some dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Applesauce and chocolate are surprisingly delicious together!

Making It Vegan or Gluten-Free

Vegan option – Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg). Also, use plant-based milk and check that your sugar is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free alternative – Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Almond flour or oat flour can also work, but the cake will be denser.
Dairy-free – This recipe is already dairy-free, but if adding frosting, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut whipped topping.

Storage & Freezing Tips for Your Applesauce Cake Recipe

So, you’ve just whipped up an irresistible applesauce cake recipe (and probably had a hard time not eating the whole thing in one go, right?). If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers, here’s how to store it and keep it fresh for as long as possible!

Storage

Let your applesauce cake cool completely (I know, I know—it’s tempting to dive in, but patience is key!). Once it’s fully cooled, store it in an airtight container. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have one, just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and slip it into a resealable bag. Your applesauce cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days—although with how delicious it is, I’m guessing it might not last that long!

Freezing

If you’ve made extra (or just want to save some for later, because, let’s face it, one slice at a time is all we really need), freezing works like a charm. Slice your applesauce cake up into individual pieces—trust me, it’s way easier to defrost one slice at a time. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your cake will stay in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for future cravings!

When you’re ready for a slice (or two), just let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or nuke it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Magic!

Now you’ve got all the tricks for storing and freezing your applesauce cake recipe so you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking (and snacking)!

Applesauce Cake FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of applesauce for this applesauce cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of applesauce you prefer—unsweetened, sweetened, cinnamon-spiced, or even chunky. Just remember that the flavor and texture of the cake might change a bit depending on your choice, but that’s half the fun of experimenting!

2. How do I know when the applesauce cake is done baking?

Great question! For this applesauce cake, use the classic toothpick check. Push a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on it, let the cake bake a little longer.

3. Can I make this applesauce cake recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! This cake actually gets even better the day after it’s baked, so feel free to make it a day ahead of time and store it tightly wrapped. You’ll love how the flavors continue to meld and develop.

4. How do I store leftover applesauce cake?

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store your applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices—just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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