Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake is a delightful treat that perfectly marries the sweetness of apples with warm spices, making it a comforting dessert for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is not only easy to make but also uses applesauce as a healthier alternative to oil or butter, resulting in a lighter texture that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a snack or served at a gathering, applesauce cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and aroma.
Recipe Card
Applesauce Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 cake
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the nuts if using, and pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This cake can be made ahead and freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade applesauce works wonderfully in this recipe and can enhance the flavor even more!
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal measure.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
While applesauce cake is delicious on its own, you can top it with cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
What’s the best way to store this cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate it if you prefer a chilled dessert.
Enjoy baking this delightful applesauce cake!