Easy Classic Applesauce Cake Recipe

Today, I bring to you a warm, homely dessert that is as comforting as it is delightful — the Applesauce Cake. It’s a perfect spiced cake to enjoy with your coffee or tea especially on cool mornings!

This Applesauce Cake is the perfect cozy dessert for fall! It’s super moist, packed with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, and has just the right amount of sweetness from the applesauce. Whether you’re serving it as an afternoon snack or as a simple dessert, this cake brings all the comfort of autumn in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
You can, but keep in mind it will make the cake sweeter. If you’re using sweetened applesauce, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance things out.

Do I have to use all the spices listed?
Nope! If you don’t have all the spices on hand, feel free to use what you’ve got. Cinnamon is the star here, so as long as you’ve got that, you’re good to go!

Can I make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a vegan butter substitute and the egg for a flax egg or applesauce. Yes, more applesauce in an applesauce cake works wonders!

What if I don’t have a mixer?
No problem! You can easily mix this batter by hand. Just make sure your butter is soft enough to blend smoothly with the sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups flour 
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon allspice 
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• ½ cup butter, soft 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1 egg, beaten 
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 

How To Make Applesauce Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a loaf pan with parchment paper 

In a bowl whisk together the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda – set aside 

In a mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar until fluffy 

Add in the beaten egg

Mix in the applesauce 

Add in the dry mixture 

Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean 

Cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired 

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

What type of applesauce is best for this recipe? Both homemade applesauce and store-bought applesauce work well. If you opt for the store-bought version, be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of the cake. For an extra kick, try cinnamon applesauce.

Fun Places to Serve This Dessert

Fall Potlucks – This cake is an absolute hit at any fall gathering. Its warm spices make it the perfect cozy dessert that everyone loves.

Afternoon Tea – Serve slices of this cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It’s light enough for an afternoon snack but still feels indulgent.

Family Dinner Dessert – After a hearty meal, this cake is the ideal way to finish things off. It’s not too rich, but just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert craving.

Holiday Parties – Applesauce cake brings a lovely homemade touch to holiday get-togethers. It’s simple, comforting, and pairs well with everything from whipped cream to ice cream!

How do I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If storing in the fridge, bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can this cake be frozen? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour or oat flour? Yes, you can replace half the all-purpose flour with either whole wheat flour or oat flour for a healthier twist.

The moist crumb and warm spices of this cake pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream. For a morning treat, serve a slice alongside a steaming cup of coffee.

Great Places to Serve

This cake is versatile enough for any gathering. From an intimate family tea-time to a bustling holiday party, this delicious cake is always a hit. It’s also a great way to celebrate apple season.

Baking this applesauce cake is a delightful experience, and the results, a moist cake with a delicious balance of sweet and spice, are sure to wow your whole family. So, give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for a simple, satisfying dessert. Happy baking!

Why This Recipe Works

The Applesauce – Using applesauce makes the cake super moist without needing a lot of extra fat. Plus, it adds a subtle apple flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

The Spice Mix – Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves give this cake that signature fall flavor. It’s like a hug in cake form!

Simple Ingredients – You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s made with everyday staples, but the result feels special.

Versatile – This cake is great on its own, but you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a cream cheese glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Here are a some more yummy apple recipes to try:

If you are looking for some more amazing cake recipes be sure to check out this comprehensive list: The Most Delicious Cake Recipes For Dessert

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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!

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