This Applesauce Cake is the perfect blend of moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful. The star ingredient is, of course, applesauce, which adds a natural sweetness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist. The warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.

This cake is not only simple to make, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover applesauce you may have on hand. Trust me, one bite of this Applesauce Cake, and you’ll be instantly hooked!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Cake

• 2 1/4 cups (318 g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar (break up any clumps with fingertips)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (490 g) unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz. cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
• 6 Tbsp (85 g) butter, soft
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions for Making Applesauce Cake

1. To prepare the applesauce cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Apply a layer of non-stick cooking spray to a rectangular baking dish measuring 13 by 9 inches.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a big bowl. Whisk them together for about 30 seconds. Create a hole in the middle of the mixture and leave it aside for later use.
3. In a different large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture at a medium speed until it becomes pale and fluffy, which usually takes around 2 minutes.
4. Combine the applesauce, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the sugar mixture, using a hand mixer, until they are fully mixed together.
5. In English language, the paragraph could be paraphrased as follows: Slowly pour the applesauce mixture into the center of the flour mixture and lightly mix it in, ensuring there are no visible traces or clumps of flour. It is normal for the mixture to be uneven or lumpy.
6. Pour the mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared. Gently shake the pan to ensure that the batter is evenly distributed and leveled out.
7. Cook in a preheated oven until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out without any batter (a slightly moist crumb or two is acceptable), which should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
8. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack (if desired, you can expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator).
9. To prepare the cream cheese frosting, place cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a spacious mixing bowl.
10. Mix the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer on low speed until they are combined. Then, switch to high speed and beat for a few minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
11. If necessary, you can put the frosting in the freezer for 3 minutes at a time, stirring in between, until it becomes more solid.
12. Apply cream cheese frosting to the cake, and then divide it into individual slices.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Understand Your Ingredients: The key to a perfect applesauce cake lies in understanding the role of each ingredient. Applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, reducing the need for added fat and sugar. Using unsweetened applesauce is crucial to control the sweetness of the cake. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice give the cake its warm, comforting flavor. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best taste.

Flour Measurement Technique: Properly measuring flour is critical. Use the scoop and level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which could lead to a dry cake. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife for the most accurate measurement.

Mixing Method Matters: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, do so gently. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened, accepting that the batter might be slightly lumpy.

Oven Calibration: Oven temperatures can vary, so knowing if your oven runs hot or cool can affect your baking time. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings. Always preheat your oven before baking for the best results.

Testing for Doneness: Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check if your cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake; the cake is ready if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your cake.

Storage Tips

Cooling Before Storage: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Storing a warm cake can trap steam and result in a soggy texture.

Refrigerating the Cake: If frosted with cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from absorbing odors and to maintain its moisture.

Freezing for Longevity: Applesauce cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.

Reviving Refrigerated Cake: To revive a refrigerated cake to its best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the cake regain its softness and enhances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Enhancing with Toppings: While delicious on its own, you can elevate your applesauce cake with various toppings. A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Pairing with Beverages: Applesauce cake pairs wonderfully with hot beverages. Serve it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The spices in the cake complement the bitterness of coffee and the warmth of tea beautifully.

Turning It into a Breakfast Item: For a less conventional approach, serve a slice of applesauce cake for breakfast. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a satisfying start to your day.

Creative Presentation: Get creative with your presentation to make the cake even more appealing. Use stencils to dust powdered sugar in beautiful patterns on top of the frosting, or garnish with apple slices or nuts for added texture and visual interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade applesauce? Yes, homemade applesauce is a great option for this cake. It allows you to control the sweetness and texture, potentially enhancing the cake’s flavor profile.

How can I make this cake vegan? To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another vegan egg replacer. Use a vegan-friendly frosting, and ensure your sugar is vegan.

Can I add nuts or fruits? Absolutely. Walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded into the batter to add texture and flavor. If adding fruits, ensure they are dried or well-drained to prevent adding excess moisture to the batter.

Why did my cake sink in the middle? Cakes can sink for several reasons, including opening the oven door too early, underbaking, or using expired leavening agents. Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh and follow the recipe closely to prevent this issue.

Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that textures and flavors might slightly vary with substitutions.

Applesauce Cake

This easy-to-follow recipe for applesauce cake is moist and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and apple in every bite.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 12

INGREDIENTS

Cake

• 2 1/4 cups 318 g all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 cup 150 g granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup 100 g brown sugar (break up any clumps with fingertips)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups 490 g unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup 175 ml vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz. cream cheese nearly at room temperature
• 6 Tbsp 85 g butter, soft
• 3 cups 360 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

• To prepare the applesauce cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Apply a layer of non-stick cooking spray to a rectangular baking dish measuring 13 by 9 inches.
• Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a big bowl. Whisk them together for about 30 seconds. Create a hole in the middle of the mixture and leave it aside for later use.
• In a different large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture at a medium speed until it becomes pale and fluffy, which usually takes around 2 minutes.
• Combine the applesauce, vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with the sugar mixture, using a hand mixer, until they are fully mixed together.
• In English language, the paragraph could be paraphrased as follows: Slowly pour the applesauce mixture into the center of the flour mixture and lightly mix it in, ensuring there are no visible traces or clumps of flour. It is normal for the mixture to be uneven or lumpy.
• Pour the mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared. Gently shake the pan to ensure that the batter is evenly distributed and leveled out.
• Cook in a preheated oven until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out without any batter (a slightly moist crumb or two is acceptable), which should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
• Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack (if desired, you can expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator).
• To prepare the cream cheese frosting, place cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a spacious mixing bowl.
• Mix the ingredients together using an electric hand mixer on low speed until they are combined. Then, switch to high speed and beat for a few minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
• If necessary, you can put the frosting in the freezer for 3 minutes at a time, stirring in between, until it becomes more solid.
• Apply cream cheese frosting to the cake, and then divide it into individual slices.