Irresistible Applesauce Cake: A Cozy Fall Delight

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

When the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked Applesauce Cake wafting through the house. Imagine biting into a slice that’s tender, moist, and bursting with sweet apple goodness while hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance on your taste buds. Each forkful feels like a cozy hug, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds—perhaps even thirds!

This delightful treat has its roots in my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter echoed alongside the clinking of mixing bowls. She would often whip up this cake during family gatherings, filling our hearts and stomachs with sweetness. Whether it’s a chilly autumn afternoon or a festive holiday gathering, Applesauce Cake is perfect for any occasion. Prepare to be amazed by the flavor experience that awaits you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Applesauce Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life.
  • The burst of warm spices and apples creates an unforgettable flavor profile everyone will love.
  • Its inviting golden-brown hue makes it visually stunning on any dessert table or potluck spread.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; this cake is versatile enough for any time of day!

I remember serving this cake at my niece’s birthday party, and her friends devoured it within minutes—leaving only crumbs behind.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Applesauce: Homemade or store-bought works well; just ensure it’s unsweetened for better flavor control.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more natural taste and texture.

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can enhance moisture and depth.

  • Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding richness.

  • Baking Soda: This provides lift to achieve that lovely fluffy texture.

  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices infuse your cake with cozy flavors reminiscent of fall.

  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering other flavors.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates all other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Applesauce Cake

How to Make Applesauce Cake

Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until evenly distributed—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—it’s okay if some lumps remain; they add character.

Fold in Optional Add-Ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in nuts or raisins at this stage for added texture. Just be sure not to overmix; we want lightness here.

Pour into Baking Pan: Transfer your batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Bake to Perfection: Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Applesauce Cake that brings warmth and joy to every occasion!

You Must Know

  • Applesauce Cake is a delightful treat that combines moistness and flavor.
  • This cake is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.
  • The sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen with warmth, making it a comforting favorite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the best Applesauce Cake, start by mixing the dry ingredients first. Then blend in wet ingredients until smooth, ensuring an even batter for perfect baking.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor. You can also substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness effectively; this cake is naturally sweet enough.
  • Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when baked perfectly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain moisture and flavor.

My grandmother once made this Applesauce Cake at my birthday party, and everyone raved about how moist it was; she said it’s all about letting it cool properly before cutting.

FAQ

Can I use homemade applesauce for this recipe?

Yes, homemade applesauce adds a personal touch and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

How do I know when my Applesauce Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as an egg replacement for vegan options.

Print

Applesauce Cake

Applesauce Cake is the quintessential autumn treat that fills your home with a cozy aroma and delights your taste buds with its moist, tender texture. This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a comforting breakfast, this cake is a nostalgic favorite sure to bring smiles all around.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Add applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in nuts or raisins before baking. You can substitute applesauce with mashed bananas for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

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