The Most Delightful Applesauce Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Golden, moist, and bursting with warmth, this classic applesauce cake recipe delivers pure comfort in every slice.

Autumnal spices dance through tender crumbs, creating a dessert that feels like a gentle hug from the kitchen.

Rich with cinnamon and hints of nutmeg, the cake turns simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Homemade applesauce becomes the secret weapon, infusing deep apple flavor and incredible moisture throughout the entire dessert.

The batter comes together effortlessly, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Soft, fragrant, and wonderfully nostalgic, this cake promises to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

One bite will transport you to cozy afternoons and cherished family gatherings, inviting you to savor every delectable moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Applesauce Cake Ingredients That Bring Moisture

• Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, choose unsweetened for better flavor control.
• Water: Helps create a smooth, consistent batter texture.
• Oil: Provides richness and helps prevent dryness, can be substituted with applesauce for a lighter version.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor depth with its warm, aromatic profile.
• Vinegar: Activates leavening agents, creating a tender cake crumb.

• White Flour, Spelt Flour, Oat Flour: Provides structure and different nutritional profiles, select freshly milled for best results.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization, unrefined options offer more complex flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Creates lift and lightness in the cake, ensure they're fresh for maximum rising.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting aromatic notes.
• Allspice: Optional ingredient that adds deep, complex warmth.

• Raisins, Chopped Walnuts, Shredded Coconut: Provides texture, crunch, and additional flavor dimensions.

Tools for Baking a Soft Applesauce Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending wet ingredients until well combined.
• 8-inch cake pan: Used for baking the cake, best when greased or lined with parchment paper.
• Spatula: Helps smooth batter evenly in the pan and fold in optional mix-ins.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.

How to Prepare a Spiced Applesauce Loaf

Cozy Kitchen Adventure

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab an 8-inch pan and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper so your cake slides out like magic.

• Liquid Magic

In a roomy mixing bowl, dance together applesauce, water, oil, vanilla, and a splash of vinegar until everything looks smooth and friendly.

• Powder Party

Toss in flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Stir until the mixture becomes a silky, dreamy batter. Feel free to add a handful of raisins or nuts for extra excitement.

• Baking Bliss

Pour your gorgeous batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with gentle care. Slide the pan into the warm oven and let it bake for about 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

• Delicious Rest

Let your cake cool completely in the pan. Pro tip: this cake gets even more delectable if you can resist cutting into it right away and let it sit overnight. Dress it up with frosting or enjoy its natural charm just as it is.

Additions Like Raisins, Nuts, or Frosting

• Flavor Boosters: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture that'll make your cake pop with deliciousness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with ground nutmeg or ginger to create a warming depth that transforms this simple cake into a cozy autumn treat.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for everyone without losing any of the cake's incredible moisture and flavor.
• Topping Twist: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar, drizzle with a light maple glaze, or top with a cream cheese frosting to elevate this humble dessert into something extraordinary.

Serve This Cake with Other Foods

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Slice this moist applesauce cake and pair it with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that feels like a comforting hug.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform the cake into an elegant dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a simple yet impressive finale to your meal.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut the cake into small squares and serve alongside fresh berries and a light cream cheese spread for an elegant afternoon tea experience that will impress guests with minimal effort.
• Seasonal Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine, making it a charming homemade gift perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday sharing.

How to Save Applesauce Cake Properly

• Cake Freshness Tactics: Store your applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining its soft texture and rich flavor.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When covered tightly, the cake stays moist in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage lasting up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for peak taste and texture.
• Quick Serving Tips: Enhance the cake's appeal by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving to elevate its deliciousness.

Moist Applesauce Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade applesauce cake brings warmth from grandma’s kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. Moist crumb and gentle spices invite comfort, drawing you closer to a slice of nostalgic sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups white, spelt, or oat flour
• ½ cup applesauce
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup sugar (unrefined if desired)
• 45 ml (3 tbsps) oil (or additional applesauce for a lighter option)
• 10 ml (2 tsps) pure vanilla extract
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) white or cider vinegar
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp allspice (optional)
• ½ cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Liquid Base Creation: Whisk together applesauce, water, oil, vanilla extract, and vinegar in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth, creating a uniform liquid foundation.
3. Batter Development: Gradually fold dry ingredients – flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon – into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to produce a silky, homogeneous batter without lumps. Tenderly incorporate optional mix-ins like raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for consistent baking. Position the pan centrally in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
5. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, letting flavors meld and intensify. For optimal taste, consider letting the cake rest overnight. Serve as a rustic treat or embellish with frosting to enhance its visual and culinary appeal.

Notes

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper or light grease to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Whisk Wet Ingredients Vigorously: Blend applesauce, water, oil, vanilla, and vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, unified liquid base.
• Fold Mix-Ins Gently: Incorporate optional ingredients like raisins or nuts delicately to maintain even distribution and prevent sinking.
• Let Flavors Develop: Allow cake to cool completely and consider letting it rest overnight to enhance taste complexity and depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg