Applesauce Cake

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Applesauce cake is a true classic—simple, satisfying, and packed with comforting fall flavors. The stars of this recipe are sweet applesauce, warm spices, and a mix of chewy and crunchy textures. If you’re after a cake that comes together with ease, fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma, and stays moist for days, this is it. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake the perfect applesauce cake at home.

The Essence of Applesauce Cake

Unlike traditional cakes using butter or oil for moisture alone, applesauce brings rich flavor and unbeatable tenderness. By combining pantry staples with apples, cinnamon, and cloves, you get a rustic dessert that’s both fragrant and hearty. Every slice is soft and full of character, dotted with raisins and walnuts for added depth.

Why Bake With Applesauce?

• Texture: Applesauce keeps the crumb moist and delicate.
• Flavor: It delivers subtle sweetness and mellow apple notes.
• Nutrition: Using applesauce lets you reduce fat and sugar, making this treat lighter.
• Versatility: Works for cakes, muffins, and even bars.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this applesauce cake. Most items are likely already in your kitchen.

Note: For a version without nuts, feel free to skip the walnuts or replace them with more dried fruit or chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Applesauce Cake Recipe

Equipment

You need only a few basic kitchen tools:
– One large mixing bowl
– Whisk or electric mixer
– Spatula
– 9-inch square or round baking pan
– Parchment paper (optional, but handy)
– Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

• Line your cake pan with parchment or lightly grease it. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In your mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; don’t overmix.

4. Add the Mix-Ins

• Gently fold in raisins and walnuts. Scatter them throughout the batter for even texture.

5. Bake

• Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes. Test with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve

• Set the cake on a rack for about 15 minutes, then remove from the pan to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tip: Taste your applesauce before baking. The quality and flavor here make all the difference.

Tips for Success

Applesauce Tips

• Use unsweetened applesauce. This lets you control the amount of sugar in your cake.
• Texture matters. If your applesauce is chunky, blitz it in a blender until smooth. Too watery? Strain it slightly—excess water adds gumminess.

Cake Texture

• Don’t overmix the batter. Overworking the flour results in a denser, tougher crumb. Stop when you see the flour disappear.
• Check your cake at the 35-minute mark. Ovens vary. If a toothpick emerges with sticky batter, give it a few minutes longer.

Variations

• Swap or add raisins for other dried fruits like currants or diced apricots.
• Try different nuts. Pecans or hazelnuts both offer unique flavors.
• Add chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a sweeter, more playful cake.
• Sprinkle a handful of oats on top before baking for a rustic look and texture.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

This cake is delicious plain, but it’s easy to dress up:

• Powdered sugar dusting: All you need is a fine-mesh sieve and a spoonful of sugar.
• Honey drizzle: Warm a little honey and zigzag it over cooled cake.
• Simple glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk for a glossy, sweet finish.
• Cream cheese frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese, then whip in confectioners’ sugar and a splash of vanilla until creamy.
• Whipped cream: Spoon billows of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a light touch.

For gatherings, slice the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a serving platter. If you’re enjoying it at home, a mug of hot tea or coffee makes the perfect companion.

Storage and Freezing

Storing

• Counter: Place cooled cake in an airtight container. Lay a paper towel over the top to absorb any stray moisture. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Whole or Slices: Wrap completely cooled cake (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freezer Life: The cake will keep its texture and flavor for up to 3 months.
• To Thaw: Move cake to the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Make Muffins With This Recipe

Want a grab-and-go option? This applesauce cake batter makes fantastic muffins.

• How-To: Spoon batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Bake: At 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes or until tops are just golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
• Yield: This recipe makes about 12 standard muffins.
• Cool: Remove muffins from the pan after 10 minutes, then finish cooling on a rack.

You can freeze leftover muffins, too. Wrap and store as you would the cake.

Applesauce Cake FAQ

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes. Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter or neutral oil, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Make sure your sugar is vegan.

Can I add more fruit?

Absolutely. Finely chopped apples, pears, or even a handful of blueberries fold in nicely for bursts of juice.

What applesauce should I buy?

Look for 100% pure unsweetened applesauce, free from preservatives. Homemade is great, too—just peel, core, and simmer apples until soft, then mash or blend.

Baking applesauce cake brings together the best parts of home baking: comfort, versatility, and warmth. It’s a reliable dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any day that needs a bit of sweetness. With its moist crumb, cozy spices, and easy preparation, applesauce cake stands the test of time—and always comes out on top.

Whether you dust it with sugar, frost it, or slice it warm from the oven, this cake hits the spot. Try customizing the mix-ins or turning the batter into muffins for breakfast. However you serve it, applesauce cake is sure to earn a spot in your regular baking rotation.

🖨️ Print

Applesauce Cake

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.8 from 1 votes

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Course: Desserts / Cuisine:

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cooking Time 40 minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 270 cal

As the name suggests, this gorgeous applesauce cake is loaded with sweet fruit puree. It is also brimming with delicious fall spices. Chewy raisins add an extra layer of yum!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup applesauce, chilled
• 1 egg
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Dust with flour or add a layer of parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed. Continue until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the applesauce. Beat. Mix until well blended.
4. Add the egg. Mix to incorporate.
5. Stir in the flour. Add the baking soda. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Mix until almost fully combined.
6. Add in the raisins. Add in the walnuts. Mix until smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. The cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool.
9. Serve warm. You can also serve cold. Enjoy!