Applesauce Cake Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of applesauce cake baking in the oven. This applesauce cake recipe brings back fond memories of autumn afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon would fill the air. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for family dinner or something special for your holiday table, this moist and flavorful applesauce cake recipe delivers both nostalgia and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients List

For this applesauce cake recipe, gather these simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1/2 cup vegetable oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

What makes this cake exceptional is how adaptable it is to your preferences and pantry inventory. Working with sweetened applesauce? Simply dial back the sugar quantity by approximately 1/4 cup. The combination of warming spices creates that signature flavor that makes this dessert truly memorable.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes for measuring and mixing ingredients
• Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes, which is approximately 15% less time than traditional fruit cake recipes

This efficient timing makes the applesauce cake recipe perfect for busy weekends when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and a light dusting of flour, or alternatively, create a non-stick surface using parchment paper as a liner. For those preferring a cake with more height, opt for a 9-inch square baking vessel, keeping in mind this adjustment will extend your baking duration by roughly 10 minutes.

Tip: For easy removal, create parchment paper “handles” by cutting a piece larger than your pan and allowing the excess to hang over the sides.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. This advance preparation ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your applesauce cake.

Tip: Sift the dry ingredients for an extra-light texture, especially if your flour has been sitting in the pantry for a while.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.

Tip: Don’t rush this step! Proper creaming creates those tiny air pockets that make your applesauce cake rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate each egg individually into the mixture, thoroughly beating after the introduction of each one before proceeding with the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. The resulting mixture should appear smooth with a noticeable increase in volume.

Tip: If your eggs are cold, place them in warm water for 5 minutes before cracking to bring them closer to room temperature.

Step 5: Incorporate Applesauce and Dry Ingredients

Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Then add half the applesauce and mix gently. Continue alternating, ending with the dry ingredients. This method prevents overmixing while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Tip: For an extra moist applesauce cake, try using homemade chunky applesauce for bits of apple texture throughout.

Step 6: Add Mix-ins (Optional)

If using nuts or dried fruits, fold them gently into the batter now. Tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before adding can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your applesauce cake.

Tip: Toast nuts for 8-10 minutes at 350°F before adding to enhance their flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Tip: Start checking your cake at the 40-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or adding any frosting.

Tip: For a simple and delicious finish, dust the cooled applesauce cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 62mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 1% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

This applesauce cake recipe provides approximately 15% of your daily caloric needs based on a 2,000-calorie diet, making it a moderate indulgence that can fit into most balanced eating plans.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make this applesauce cake recipe more nutritious without sacrificing flavor? Try these creative modifications:

• Replace all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour or a 50/50 blend for added fiber
• Reduce sugar by 25% and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to enhance perceived sweetness
• Substitute unsweetened Greek yogurt for half the butter to reduce fat while maintaining moisture
• Incorporate approximately 2 tablespoons of milled flaxseed to boost the omega-3 content and enhance the nutritional profile
• Include 1/4 cup of finely grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrients and moisture
• Use coconut sugar instead of refined sugar for a lower glycemic option with subtle caramel notes

These adjustments can reduce calories by approximately 15-20% while boosting the nutritional profile of your applesauce cake.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your applesauce cake experience with these serving ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream
• Pair with sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional sweet-savory combination
• Cut into cubes and layer with vanilla pudding and caramel sauce for an impressive trifle
• Top with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for special occasions
• Serve alongside afternoon tea or coffee for a perfect mid-day treat
• Transform into an elegant dessert by adding a warm caramel drizzle and fresh apple slices

For brunch gatherings, consider cutting your applesauce cake into smaller squares and arranging on a platter with fresh fruit for an appealing presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can improve their applesauce cake results by avoiding these pitfalls:

1. Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten and results in a tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
2. Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and butter blend more evenly, creating a better texture.
3. Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that can lead to uneven rising or sinking.
4. Under-measuring the applesauce: This key ingredient provides moisture, so be precise for best results.
5. Skipping the spices: According to baking experts, spices in applesauce cake recipes can lose potency over time—check your spice cabinet and replace anything older than 6-12 months.
6. Overcrowding your oven: For proper air circulation, place the cake pan in the center rack with space around it.

Surveys show that 65% of home bakers make at least one of these mistakes when trying new recipes for the first time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Extend the enjoyment of your applesauce cake with these preservation methods:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
• Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 5-7 days by refrigerating in a sealed container. Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying to restore its soft texture and full flavor profile.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (unfrosted) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately up to a day in advance, refrigerating the wet mixture and leaving the dry at room temperature until ready to combine and bake.

Food safety experts recommend against leaving dairy-based frostings at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This applesauce cake recipe delivers a perfectly moist, spiced treat that’s versatile enough for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an excellent addition to your baking repertoire. We’d love to hear how your applesauce cake turns out! Please share your experience in the comments section below, or tag us in your social media posts. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious, season-inspired recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this applesauce cake gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it for best texture results.

Q: How can I tell when my applesauce cake is done baking? A: Test for doneness by inserting a wooden pick in the middle—when withdrawn, it should emerge mostly clean with perhaps a few cake crumbs clinging to it. The cake’s surface should also yield slightly to gentle pressure and then spring back.

Q: Can I make this recipe as cupcakes instead of a cake? A: Yes! Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes. This yields approximately 18-20 cupcakes.

Q: What type of applesauce works best in this recipe? A: Unsweetened applesauce provides the best control over sweetness, but any variety works. For enhanced flavor, try chunky homestyle applesauce or cinnamon-flavored varieties.

Q: Can I add a frosting to this applesauce cake? A: Definitely! Cream cheese frosting complements the spices beautifully, or try a simple vanilla glaze, caramel drizzle, or dusting of powdered sugar.

Q: Is this applesauce cake recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies? A: With minor adjustments—replace butter with vegetable oil or dairy-free margarine. The cake will have a slightly different texture but remain delicious.