Embrace the cozy nostalgia of Applesauce Cake, a moist, warmly spiced dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave comfort. This apple cake is easy to make with pantry staples, delivering big flavor in every bite. Try this moist applesauce cake recipe for a heartwarming treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: Applesauce ensures a soft crumb in this apple cake.
- Warmly Spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg shine in this moist applesauce cake.
- One-Bowl Ease: No mixer needed for this apple cake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen overnight in this moist applesauce cake.
- Customizable: Add nuts or fruit to personalize this apple cake.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake
Here’s what you’ll need for this moist applesauce cake (serves 12–15):
Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (360g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup (75g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 cups (240–360g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps this apple cake moist without extra sugar.
- Spices: Adjust cinnamon or nutmeg by a pinch for a bolder moist applesauce cake.
- Butter: Melted and cooled butter ensures a tender apple cake.
- Add-Ins: Walnuts or raisins add texture to this moist applesauce cake.
- Frosting: Use 2 cups powdered sugar for a less sweet cream cheese frosting.
Directions for Applesauce Cake
Let’s make this cozy Cake!
Prep Pan and Oven
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- I grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper or lightly flour for easy removal of this apple cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I whisk 2 cups flour, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cloves until evenly combined for this moist Applesauce Cake.
Add Wet Ingredients
- I add ½ cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 ½ cups applesauce, and 1 tsp vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- I stir with a spatula until smooth, avoiding overmixing to keep this apple cake tender.
Fold in Add-Ins
- If using, I gently fold in ½ cup walnuts and ½ cup raisins for added texture in this moist applesauce cake.
Bake Cake
- I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- I bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- I cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before frosting or serving this Cake.
Make Frosting (Optional)
- I beat 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup butter until fluffy.
- I add 1 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2–3 cups powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth for this apple cake.
Frost and Serve
- Once cooled, I spread the frosting over the cake, creating swirls with a spatula.
- I slice and serve this moist applesauce cake for a cozy treat.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cool Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12–15 (1 slice per serving)
- Calories: ~250–280 kcal per serving (without frosting)
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 4g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber
Nutrition with Frosting
- Calories: ~350–380 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 5g protein, 15g fat, 1g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this moist applesauce cake recipe:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet Spiced Applesauce Cake.
- Ginger Kick: Include ½ tsp ground ginger for extra warmth in this apple cake.
- Fruit Swap: Use dried cherries instead of raisins for a tart moist applesauce cake.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts for a smoother apple cake texture.
- Glaze Option: Drizzle with a vanilla glaze instead of frosting for a lighter moist applesauce cake.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar for simplicity.
Storage
I store this apple cake unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frosted in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, I wrap slices tightly in plastic and foil, storing for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve this Cake on a rustic platter for homestyle charm.
- Garnish: Top with frosting or powdered sugar for flair in this moist applesauce cake.
- Pairing: Pair with ice cream or coffee to complement the apple cake.
- Portion Size: 1 slice (1/12–1/15 of cake) per person.
- Occasions: Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknights.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about this moist apple cake:
Can I use sweetened applesauce for this moist apple cake?
Yes, but reduce brown sugar by ¼ cup for a balanced apple cake.
Can I make this apple cake in a different pan?
Use an 8×8-inch pan for a taller cake; add 5–10 minutes to bake time.
How do I know when this moist apple cake is done?
A toothpick should come out clean or with moist crumbs for this apple cake.
Can I skip the frosting on this apple cake?
Yes, dust with powdered sugar or serve plain for a lighter moist apple cake.
What pairs well with this moist apple cake?
Coffee, ice cream, or whipped cream enhance the flavors of this apple cake.
More Interesting Cake Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced delight that brings cozy comfort to any table. This apple cake recipe is a must-try. Make this moist applesauce cake, share with loved ones, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors!
Applesauce Cake
Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced delight that brings cozy comfort to any table. This apple cake recipe is a must-try. Make this moist applesauce cake, share with loved ones, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup 200g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cups 360g unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup 75g raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 –3 cups 240–360g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep Pan and Oven
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper or lightly flour for easy removal of this apple cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I whisk 2 cups flour, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cloves until evenly combined for this moist Applesauce Cake.
Add Wet Ingredients
- I add ½ cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 ½ cups applesauce, and 1 tsp vanilla to the dry ingredients. I stir with a spatula until smooth, avoiding overmixing to keep this apple cake tender.
Fold in Add-Ins
- If using, I gently fold in ½ cup walnuts and ½ cup raisins for added texture in this moist applesauce cake.
Bake Cake
- I pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. I bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs. I cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before frosting or serving this Applesauce Cake.
Make Frosting (Optional)
- I beat 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup butter until fluffy. I add 1 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2–3 cups powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth for this apple cake.
Frost and Serve
- Once cooled, I spread the frosting over the cake, creating swirls with a spatula. I slice and serve this moist applesauce cake for a cozy treat.
Notes
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!