Description

Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert known for its moist texture, warm spices, and comforting flavors. This classic cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall when apple season is in full swing. Applesauce not only adds natural sweetness to the cake but also helps keep it incredibly moist, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cakes that rely heavily on butter or oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List (with measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need to make Applesauce Cake:

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter (your choice based on preference)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (for added moisture and depth of flavor)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added texture)
1/2 cup raisins (for a chewy, fruity twist)

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon

These ingredients combine to create a perfectly spiced, moist cake that’s not overly sweet but full of rich, warm flavors. The applesauce keeps the cake tender, while the brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that enhances the spices.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Applesauce Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Add Optional Ingredients: If using chopped nuts or raisins, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze: If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Notes

Additional Tips for Perfecting Applesauce Cake

To ensure your Applesauce Cake turns out perfect every time, follow these additional tips:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure that your eggs and butter (if using) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything combine smoothly and evenly.
Homemade Applesauce: If you have the time, using homemade applesauce can elevate the flavor of the cake. Simply simmer peeled, chopped apples with a bit of water and cinnamon until they soften, then mash or blend them to your preferred consistency.
Grease the Pan Well: Whether you’re using a bundt pan, round cake pans, or a 9×13-inch pan, be sure to grease it thoroughly. This ensures the cake will release easily after baking.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The warm, aromatic spices are what make this cake special. If you don’t have cloves or nutmeg on hand, cinnamon alone can still provide a delicious spiced flavor.
Glaze Only When Cool: If you’re planning to glaze or frost the cake, make sure it’s completely cooled before doing so. Applying a glaze too soon will cause it to melt and run off the cake.
Add Mix-ins with Care: If you’re adding nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins, fold them into the batter gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.