Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Applesauce Cake is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to holiday celebrations. The cake is tender and moist due to the applesauce, and the mix of warm spices adds the perfect level of comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a no-fuss, flavorful cake that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the optional glaze or topping:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
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Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs and applesauce:
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stir until the flour is fully incorporated.
6. Bake the cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Cool the cake:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the glaze (optional):
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If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Alternatively, sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar or top with chopped nuts for extra texture.
9. Serve and enjoy:
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Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16 slices
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes (including cooling time)
Variations
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Add-ins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
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Spicy Applesauce Cake: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add ground ginger to the batter for a spicier flavor.
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Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay moist and flavorful.
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Refrigeration: If you’ve added a glaze, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
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Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend has a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s texture.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you may want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup to account for the added sweetness.
Can I use a different pan size?
If you’d like to use a round cake pan or a different size, you can, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan may bake faster, while a smaller pan will require a bit more time.
Can I frost this cake instead of using glaze?
Yes, you can frost the applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream frosting for a richer dessert. A tangy cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this cake.
Conclusion
Applesauce Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, wonderfully spiced, and has a soft, moist texture thanks to the applesauce. Whether you serve it plain, with a glaze, or topped with frosting, this cake will quickly become a go-to favorite for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet snack at home. Try this recipe for a comforting, nostalgic treat that’s sure to satisfy!
Applesauce Cake Recipe
Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced dessert filled with comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion. The natural sweetness of applesauce pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12-16 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the optional glaze or topping:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Alternatively, sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with chopped nuts.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor.Increase the amount of cinnamon or add ground ginger for a spicier flavor.For an indulgent twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg