How to Make Applesauce Cake

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Few desserts feel as inviting or as uncomplicated as applesauce cake. Infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves, this cake brings together soft crumb, rich fruit notes, and subtle texture—all without fuss or extravagant ingredients. Whether you want a nostalgic treat for chilly evenings or a simple cake for any time of year, applesauce cake offers comfort in every bite. Let’s explore every detail, from ingredient choices to serving suggestions, ensuring your homemade applesauce cake turns out tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why Choose Applesauce Cake?

Applesauce cake stands out for its gentle sweetness, moist texture, and versatility. Using applesauce in cake recipes isn’t just a clever way to use up an ingredient—it genuinely transforms the crumb, offering steady moisture and a subtle fruitiness that pairs well with warm baking spices. You don’t need special equipment or complicated steps. One bowl and a wooden spoon will get you pretty far.

Key reasons to try this cake:

• Naturally moist: Applesauce keeps the cake tender for days.
• Quick prep: No creaming or separate mixing bowls required.
• Spice-friendly: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend perfectly with apple notes.
• Flexible mix-ins: Add nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips as you see fit.
• Everyday ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create something special.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

A standard applesauce cake relies on just a few components. Let’s break down what you’ll need and explore alternatives to suit your pantry and taste.

Tip: For best results, use unsweetened applesauce. If yours is sweetened, reduce the added sugar by a few tablespoons.

Applesauce Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce (chilled)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Mixing

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Stir in the applesauce and vanilla, blending until you achieve a uniform batter.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing gently until just combined.

3. Add Mix-ins

• Fold in raisins and walnuts. The batter will look thick and slightly lumpy.

4. Bake

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the surface using a spatula.
• Bake in your preheated oven for 35–40 minutes.
• To test, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool and Serve

• Place the pan on a wire rack. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Applesauce Cake

• Texture Choices: Smooth, thick applesauce incorporates best. If your applesauce is chunky, briefly blend it before adding, or strain out excess liquid if it’s watery.
• Pan Lining: Use parchment paper for hassle-free removal and easy cleanup.
• Even Baking: Oven temperatures vary. Begin checking at the 30-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
• Mix-in Alternatives: Swap out raisins for dried cherries, or use pumpkin seeds instead of nuts if allergies are a concern.
• Spice Variations: Play with apple pie spice blends, ginger, or nutmeg for added depth.
• Decorating Simplicity: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance with minimal effort.

Storing and Freezing

On the Counter

• Allow the cake to cool fully before storing.
• Place in an airtight container, with a paper towel on top to absorb extra moisture.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 5 days.

In the Freezer

• Wrap whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing

• To enjoy, move a slice or the whole cake from freezer to fridge overnight.
• Alternatively, bring slices to room temperature for a speedier thaw.

Serving Suggestions

Applesauce cake tastes wonderful straight from the pan, but a few finishing touches can bring new personality.

Easy Toppings

• Powdered sugar: Sift a light layer over the cooled cake.
• Honey drizzle: Spoon over a bit of honey for extra sweetness and sheen.
• Simple glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk and drizzle across the top.
• Cream cheese frosting: Beat 4 ounces of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons butter and 1 cup powdered sugar for a smooth spread.

Pairings

• Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for contrast.
• Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for breakfast or snack.

Customizing Your Cake

• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier, slightly nutty flavor.
• For a vegan option, use oil instead of butter and plant-based egg substitutes.
• Add chopped apples to the batter for extra juicy bits.
• Stir in dark chocolate chips for a twist on tradition.
• For a citrus kick, fold in orange zest.
• Omit nuts and raisins for a plainer cake, or substitute with seeds or other dried fruit.

Applesauce Cake Muffins

Want something more portable? This recipe transforms easily into muffins:

• Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
• Fill each liner two-thirds full with batter.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown with no wet batter.
• Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then move to a rack.

You’ll get about 12 moist, tender muffins.

Troubleshooting FAQs

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Excess moisture or underbaking can cause sinking. Make sure your applesauce isn’t too runny and your cake is baked through.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, experiment by cutting sugar by up to 25%. Sweetened applesauce means you’ll want to use less.

Do I need an electric mixer?
Not at all. Stirring by hand works fine, though an electric mixer makes the initial creaming quicker.

Should I peel apples to make homemade applesauce?
It’s optional. Peeling results in a smoother sauce, but a rustic texture works well in this recipe.

Applesauce cake marries nostalgic flavor with clear, approachable technique. Its forgiving nature welcomes variations while always delivering soft crumb and warm spice. Whether dressed up with icing or enjoyed plain, a slice of applesauce cake feels like home. Bake once, and you’ll keep coming back for more—through every season.

Applesauce Cake

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5 from 5 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 extra yum!

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and 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 until pale and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the applesauce and beat until well blended.
4. Add the egg and mix to incorporate.
5. Stir in the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until almost fully combined.
6. Add in the raisins and walnuts, then mix until smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
9. Serve warm or cold, and enjoy!