Applesauce Cake Recipe

If there’s one dessert that brings instant comfort with every bite, it’s this classic Applesauce Cake Recipe. Soft, moist, and warmly spiced, this timeless bake is everything you want in a cozy homemade treat. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with glaze, this recipe delivers every time.

Applesauce adds incredible moisture and a subtle fruitiness that makes this cake irresistibly tender. Best of all? This Applesauce Cake Recipe comes together with just one bowl and a few pantry staples, so it’s easy enough for weekday baking and special enough for holiday gatherings.

Fun fact? Applesauce cake dates back to early American cookbooks, when resourceful bakers used it to stretch ingredients during wartime rationing. Today, we just bake it because it’s delicious.

What is Applesauce Cake?

Applesauce Cake is a simple, moist cake made with unsweetened applesauce as a key ingredient. It often includes warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, and can be served plain or with frosting, glaze, or powdered sugar. Think of it as a cousin to spice cake but softer, fruitier, and often even more moist.

Why applesauce? It acts as both a sweetener and fat substitute, and gives this cake its signature texture. So when life gives you too many apples (or a big jar of applesauce), you know exactly what to do: bake this cozy cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Fluffy – Applesauce locks in moisture without weighing the cake down.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients – No fancy ingredients required.
• Spiced and Comforting – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add cozy flavor.
• Perfect for Gifting – It keeps well, making it great for holiday treats.
• Versatile – Add raisins, walnuts, or a glaze depending on your mood.

How to Make Applesauce Cake

Quick Overview

This Applesauce Cake Recipe is a one-bowl wonder. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, pour into a greased pan, and bake. That’s it. No mixers, no fuss, just flavor.

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Sifted
Baking soda	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp
Ground nutmeg	½ tsp	Optional but recommended
Ground cloves	¼ tsp	Adds depth and warmth
Unsweetened applesauce	1 ½ cups	Room temperature
Brown sugar	1 cup	Packed
Vegetable oil	½ cup	Or substitute with melted butter
Eggs	2	Room temperature
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Pure extract for best flavor
Optional: raisins, nuts	½ cup	Chopped, if using

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended and smooth.

Combine and Fold

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Stir in raisins or nuts if using.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add Finishing Touches

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or frost with cream cheese frosting—whatever suits your sweet tooth.

What to Serve With Applesauce Cake

This cake is satisfying on its own, but a few carefully selected pairings can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great ideas from our recipe collection:

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A decadent, spiced companion to add richness to your dessert table.

Sweet Potato Pancakes – Perfect for a fall brunch alongside a warm slice of applesauce cake.

Toasted Marshmallow Syrup – Drizzle a little on top of your cake or into your coffee for a sweet complement.

Coffee Cake Muffins – Add variety to your breakfast spread with both cake and muffins.

Pumpkin Banana Bread – Moist and warmly spiced, it pairs beautifully with applesauce cake for a cozy treat platter.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Applesauce Cake

• Use Unsweetened Applesauce – This gives you better control over the cake’s sweetness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the batter mix evenly and improves texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Add Mix-Ins Sparingly – Too many nuts or raisins can weigh the cake down.
• Try a Glaze – A simple vanilla or maple glaze adds a sweet finish without overpowering the spices.

Want to boost flavor? Add a spoonful of molasses or a splash of orange juice for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Applesauce Cake

Room Temperature:
Store your applesauce cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Keep it out of direct sunlight or heat.

Refrigeration:
For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Wrap tightly with plastic or place in a covered container.

Freezing:
Applesauce cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating Tips:
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back moisture and softness. Serve with a cup of tea or warm cider for a cozy moment.

FAQs About Applesauce Cake

What does applesauce do in a cake?

Applesauce adds moisture, natural sweetness, and even acts as a fat replacer. It makes cakes softer and more tender without needing a lot of butter or oil.

Why is my applesauce cake dry?

Dry applesauce cake can be caused by overbaking, using sweetened applesauce (which has less moisture), or not enough oil. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake just until done.

Can I substitute oil with applesauce in any cake?

Yes, in many cases, you can substitute applesauce for oil in equal parts to reduce fat. However, it may slightly change the texture cakes can become denser or more moist depending on the recipe.

What spices go well with applesauce cake?

Cinnamon is the most common, but nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice all complement the apple flavor beautifully.

How do you store applesauce cake to keep it moist?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerate/freeze for longer keeping.

This Applesauce Cake Recipe is the kind of comforting dessert that never goes out of style. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet satisfying enough to impress a crowd. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy weekend treat, a holiday gathering, or to share with loved ones, this moist and spiced cake will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try you’ll be surprised how something so simple can taste so special.

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