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Applesauce Cake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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