Let me tell you, this Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe is like a big, chocolatey hug. I first made this cake on a rainy Sunday in my tiny New York apartment when I was craving something sweet, rich, and nostalgic, but didn’t want to go through the whole creaming-butter-and-sugar situation. What came out of the oven was beyond expectations: tender, deeply chocolatey, subtly spiced, and, yes, super moist (thanks to the applesauce magic).
It’s the kind of cake that feels homey enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to bring to a potluck or holiday gathering. The applesauce gives it an almost brownie-like texture, and the cocoa adds a richness that doesn’t overwhelm. Oh, and did I mention it’s a one-bowl, no-mixer kind of situation?
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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe
There’s something charmingly retro about this cake, but it also just works. Here’s what makes it a must-bake:
- Incredibly Moist: Applesauce doesn’t just add moisture, it keeps the cake soft for days.
- No Eggs or Dairy: Perfect for vegans or when you’re out of basics.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips give it a deep, satisfying taste.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to eat cake.
- Easily Customizable: Works with gluten-free flour, add-ins, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Want to Customize It? Here’s How:
- Make it vegan: It already is! Just double-check your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I love Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s version.
- Add crunch: Stir in walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut.
- Amp up the spice: A pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves makes it even cozier.
Recipe Card
Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy9
servings10
minutes35
minutes260
kcalA rich, fudgy chocolate cake made with applesauce, cocoa, and love, egg-free, dairy-free, and done in one bowl.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup plant-based milk
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. If using a loaf or bundt pan, increase bake time slightly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients (2 mins): In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients (2 mins): Make a well in the center and pour in the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and milk. Stir everything together gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, just enough so you don’t see streaks of flour.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips (1 min): Stir in the chocolate chips if using. They’ll melt slightly and create gooey pockets of joy.
- Bake It Up (30–35 mins): Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
- Cool & Slice (10 mins): Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time
My Best Chocolate Applesauce Cake Secrets
- Don’t overmix the batter: It can make the cake tough. Gentle stirring is all it needs.
- Use high-quality cocoa: It really makes a difference in flavor. Dutch-processed is my go-to.
- Add espresso powder: A teaspoon enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Watch the bake time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 28 minutes. You want a soft, fudgy texture, not dry!
- Store it airtight: It gets even better the next day.
Variants of the Recipe
- Spiced Choco-Applesauce Cake: Add ¼ tsp ground cloves and ¼ tsp nutmeg for a warming, cozy twist. Great around the holidays!
- Double Chocolate Dream: Add ¼ cup extra chocolate chips and drizzle with ganache for ultimate decadence.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Swap in a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour. Add an extra tablespoon of applesauce to retain moisture.
- Mocha Vibes: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the batter and top with a coffee glaze. Pairs beautifully with afternoon lattes.
- Healthy Breakfast Version: Cut sugar to ½ cup and add chopped nuts and a handful of oats on top for crunch. Totally breakfast-worthy!
Creative Uses for Leftovers
- Cake Trifle: Layer with vegan whipped cream and berries in a glass.
- Cake Pops: Crumble the cake, mix with a little frosting, and roll into balls. Chill and coat in chocolate.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble over chocolate or vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae.
- French Toast Cake: Yes, dip slices in almond milk and pan-fry them for the most indulgent breakfast ever.
FAQs About Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe
Yes, just reduce the sugar to ½ cup to balance the sweetness.
Absolutely! It contains no eggs or dairy. Just use vegan chocolate chips.
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and add a tablespoon of extra applesauce for moisture.
Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes and fill liners ⅔ full.
Totally. It pairs beautifully with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Use smooth. Chunky applesauce can create pockets of moisture and affect the cake’s consistency.
Sweet Ending: Let’s Wrap This Cake Party Up
And there you have it, your new favorite one-bowl wonder, the Chocolate Applesauce Cake that’s cozy, chocolatey, and crazy easy. Whether you’re baking it for a weeknight treat, a friend’s birthday, or just because Tuesday needed something sweet, this recipe always delivers.
If you’re still in a baking mood (because why stop now?), check out these other must-try treats:
- Butterfinger Cake Recipe for candy bar bliss in every bite
- Brookie Recipe if you’re torn between brownies and cookies
- Applesauce Crumb Cake Recipe for a streusel-topped twist on this cozy classic
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Recipe if you want dessert to taste like childhood
Thanks so much for baking with us today! If you give this cake a try, we’d love to see it, tag us on social media or drop a comment below. Let’s keep making sweet memories together.
Happy baking!
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