If you’ve ever tasted the moist, warm, and comforting goodness of applesauce cake recipe, you know it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel right at home. Growing up, my mom would bake this simple yet delicious cake on chilly autumn afternoons. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples would fill the house, signaling that something special was about to come out of the oven. Applesauce cake has been a classic in many households for generations, and there’s a good reason why, it’s cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
This applesauce cake recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, with the applesauce adding both moisture and flavor to the cake. It’s an incredibly versatile dessert that fits in at any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a festive dessert for a family gathering. The cake itself is soft, fluffy, and not too sweet, making it the ideal base for pairing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And because it uses simple pantry ingredients like applesauce, flour, eggs, and spices, it’s also a budget-friendly dessert that you can whip up on a whim.
But perhaps what makes this applesauce cake so special is its adaptability. You can enjoy it as a rustic, no-fuss dessert for an everyday treat or jazz it up with glazes and frosting for more formal occasions. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or as the star of your next holiday meal, this applesauce cake is guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more.
Table of contents
Why this Applesauce Recipe Cake Works
The beauty of this applesauce cake recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a humble cake made with ingredients that are often already in your kitchen, making it a go-to for busy days or when you need a quick dessert. But don’t be fooled by its straightforwardness—this cake is packed with flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
The Role of Applesauce in the Cake
The most defining feature of applesauce cake is, of course, the applesauce itself. It serves as both the sweetener and the source of moisture in the cake, which gives it that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Unlike other cakes that rely solely on butter or oil, the applesauce in this recipe helps to keep it moist without making it greasy. Plus, it provides a subtle fruitiness that pairs wonderfully with the warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Spices that Make the Cake Shine
Speaking of spices, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice is what truly elevates this applesauce cake. The cinnamon offers a warm, sweet note, while the nutmeg adds a touch of warmth and depth. The allspice brings a bit of heat and complexity that complements the applesauce perfectly. Together, these spices create a comforting and aromatic flavor profile that makes every bite of this cake a delight.
A Simple, Versatile Dessert
Another reason this applesauce cake works so well is its versatility. You can serve it as-is, with just a dusting of powdered sugar, or go the extra mile by adding a glaze or frosting. Cream cheese frosting is a natural pairing for applesauce cake, adding richness and tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the cake. You could also drizzle a simple caramel sauce or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Finally, you can customize this cake to suit your dietary preferences or needs. Want to make it gluten-free? No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Looking to reduce the sugar content? You can cut down on the sweetener or use a natural sugar substitute like stevia or honey. If you’re a fan of nuts or dried fruits, you can easily incorporate chopped walnuts, raisins, or even dried cranberries into the batter.
Recipe Card
Applesauce Cake Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes35
minutes250
kcalThis applesauce cake is a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moisture. With a rich, tender crumb and an irresistible cinnamon flavor, it’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk (or milk of your choice)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and applesauce: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
- Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If you want to make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a streusel topping for extra crunch by mixing flour, butter, and sugar, then sprinkling it over the batter before baking.
Pro Tips for Success
While this applesauce cake recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips that can help you achieve the best possible results every time. These tips ensure your cake comes out moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured, and they’ll help you avoid common mistakes that can affect the final product.
Tip 1: Use Unsweetened Applesauce
When making applesauce cake, it’s important to use unsweetened applesauce. Sweetened applesauce can make the cake overly sweet and throw off the balance of flavors, especially when combined with the sugar in the recipe. Unsweetened applesauce provides just the right level of natural sweetness without overpowering the spices. You can also make your own applesauce at home for a fresher, more personalized touch.
Tip 2: Don’t Overmix the Batter
One of the keys to a light and fluffy applesauce cake is not overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients together, do so gently and just until combined. Overmixing the batter can activate the gluten in the flour, which can result in a denser, tougher cake. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and won’t affect the texture of the finished cake.
Tip 3: Check for Doneness Early
Because applesauce cake is quite moist, it can sometimes take a little longer to bake than other cakes. However, it’s important to keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time is up. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready to come out of the oven. Overbaking can cause the cake to dry out, so it’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake.
Variants of the Applesauce Cake Recipe
1. Vegan Applesauce Cake
For those following a plant-based diet or looking to make a dairy- and egg-free version of the applesauce cake, this vegan variant is a fantastic option. To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Flaxseed eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg the recipe calls for. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Butter substitution: Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
- Milk alternative: Swap the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
2. Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake
If you need to make the cake gluten-free, it’s easy to achieve with a few simple substitutions. The key is to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Most gluten-free flour blends will work well as a 1:1 replacement for regular flour in baking, but make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with texture. Here are some additional tips:
- Use a gluten-free flour blend: Many brands offer pre-mixed gluten-free flours that contain rice flour, potato starch, and other ingredients to replace wheat flour.
- Baking soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh to help the cake rise properly.
- Add moisture: Gluten-free baked goods can sometimes be a bit drier, so consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of applesauce or a bit more milk to keep the texture moist.
3. Spiced Applesauce Cake
For those who love a cake with extra warmth and spice, this spiced applesauce cake variant takes it to another level. The recipe stays the same, but you can amplify the flavor profile by adding extra spices such as:
- Ground cloves: Adds a slightly sweet and spicy flavor that complements the applesauce beautifully.
- Allspice: Brings a more complex flavor that works well with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Ginger: A dash of ground ginger enhances the warmth of the cake and adds a zesty kick.
FAQs about Applesauce Cake Recipe
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor, or try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. Keep in mind that brown sugar will add a deeper flavor, especially if you’re making a spiced applesauce cake.
If your cake turned out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a denser cake.
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresher taste and extra moisture to the cake. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, as the recipe already includes sugar.
Final Thoughts
The applesauce cake is one of those timeless recipes that combines comfort, simplicity, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to win hearts.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. From adding chocolate chips to customizing it to suit dietary needs, it’s a cake that you can adapt to your preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up that extra jar of applesauce sitting in your pantry!
If you loved this applesauce cake, why not try other comforting recipes like our banana bread with 2 Bananas or a carrot cake tres leches recipe that’s just as moist and full of flavor? With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can turn your kitchen into a bakery and enjoy delicious homemade desserts with loved ones.
Leave a Reply