Applesauce Cake Recipe

Introduction

Applesauce cake is a moist, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any season. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a spiced, tender cake with a natural sweetness from applesauce. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp oil (or additional applesauce)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups flour (white, spelt, or oat)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or extra applesauce), vanilla extract, and white vinegar until combined.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and allspice (if using) to the bowl. Stir gently until you have a smooth batter without overmixing.
4. Step 4: Fold in any optional ingredients like raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake the cake on the center rack for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Frost as desired, or enjoy plain. The flavors deepen and the cake tastes even sweeter the next day.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, skip walnuts and add extra shredded coconut or seeds instead.
• Try using maple syrup or honey in place of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for extra warm spice notes.
• Use unsweetened applesauce to control the cake’s sweetness, adjusting sugar if preferred.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.

Storage

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade applesauce for this cake?

Yes, homemade applesauce works perfectly and adds a fresh flavor. Just be sure it’s not too watery, as excess liquid can affect the cake’s texture.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free by default but can be adapted by using a certified gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking times slightly as needed.

Applesauce Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 70 reviews

This moist and flavorful applesauce cake is a wholesome treat perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples and naturally sweetened with applesauce, it offers a deliciously tender crumb and warm spices. The easy-to-make recipe yields a lightly sweet cake that is wonderful on its own or topped with your favorite frosting.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Cake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp oil (or additional applesauce)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour (white, spelt, or oat)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution for baking the cake.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or extra applesauce if preferred), vanilla extract, and white vinegar until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and if using, the allspice. Mix gently until just combined to form a smooth batter, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
4. Incorporate Optional Ingredients: Fold in any optional ingredients such as raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
5. Prepare the Pan: Grease or line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make removing the cake easier after baking.
6. Pour and Smooth Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface for uniform baking.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan on the oven’s center rack and bake for 18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting or slicing. The flavors deepen and the cake tastes even sweeter the following day.

Notes

• Use applesauce as a fat substitute to keep the cake moist and reduce calories.
• For gluten-free options, use oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Allowing the cake to rest overnight enhances the flavor and sweetness.
• Add your favorite frosting such as cream cheese or vanilla buttercream for a richer dessert.
• Chopped nuts or dried fruit add texture and extra flavor to the cake.

Keywords: applesauce cake, moist cake, easy cake recipe, healthy cake, spiced cake, autumn dessert