Picture this: it’s a crisp autumn day, your kitchen smells like cinnamon dreams, and you’re pulling out a golden, fluffy applesauce cake from the oven. Sound too good to be true? Nope. You’re about to learn how to make that very cake — one that’s easy, spiced just right, and so moist you’ll question why you ever baked without applesauce before.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a flavor hug. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone whose oven is mainly used for storage, this applesauce cake recipe is a breeze to whip up. Let’s get baking, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why This Applesauce Cake recipe is About to Be Your New Favorite
Let’s be honest, some cakes are a bit high-maintenance. This one? Not at all. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
- It’s insanely moist and tender thanks to the applesauce
- Loaded with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Comes together in one bowl — yes, ONE
- It’s healthy-ish (shh, no one has to know!)
- Stays fresh for days — if you don’t eat it all immediately
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen. Keep it simple, or spice it up with a few add-ins if you’re feeling wild.
Basic Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sub with GF mix if needed |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | No rising without it! |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Warm, cozy vibes |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | Optional, but so good |
| Cloves (optional) | ¼ tsp | For an earthy punch |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Essential, trust me |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 ½ cups | The star of the show |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Adds richness & depth |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | Or swap for coconut oil |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temp = happy batter |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Don’t skip the vanilla magic |
| Walnuts/pecans (opt.) | ½ cup | For that crunchy twist |
How to Make the Best Applesauce Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your favorite 9×5-inch loaf pan or round cake tin. Bonus points if you remember to line it with parchment paper. Future you will thank present you.
Step 2: Dry Team Assemble!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Look at you, already halfway to dessert.
Step 3: Wet & Wonderful
In another bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until it becomes a glorious, smooth blend of deliciousness.
Step 4: Combine & Conquer
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, now’s your moment to shine. Stir just until combined. No overmixing. (You’re baking a cake, not making cement.)
Step 5: Bake & Wait (the hardest part)
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Resist the urge to poke it too early, though—this cake likes its privacy while rising.
Cool completely before slicing. Or don’t. We’re not here to judge.
Customize It Your Way: Add-Ins & Variations
- Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor
- Add shredded apples for extra texture
- Toss in dried cranberries or raisins
- Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost
- Turn it into cupcakes (reduce bake time to ~20 mins)
Baking Tips for Success
- Use unsweetened applesauce so your cake doesn’t taste like a sugar bomb
- Room temp eggs = better mix
- Always check your oven temp with an oven thermometer. Trust issues? Maybe. But justified.
- Don’t skip cooling — the flavor develops as it rests
Common Baking Mishaps (And How to Fix Them)
Mishap #1: Cake too dense? You may have overmixed it. Or your baking soda ghosted you. Use fresh leavening agents and mix until just combined.
Mishap #2: Dry cake? It was probably overbaked. Next time, start checking at the 35-minute mark.
Mishap #3: Sunken center? Don’t open the oven door in the first 20 minutes. It’s fragile like your sleep-deprived self before coffee.
Bonus Section: Nutritional Info (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~280 |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Sugar | ~18g |
Note: Based on 12 servings using the standard recipe.
FAQs About Applesauce Cake Recipe
Can I make this cake egg-free?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (let sit 5 mins).
Can I use homemade applesauce?
Absolutely. Just keep it unsweetened for best results.
What kind of pan should I use?
A 9×5″ loaf pan works great. Or double the recipe for a bundt cake!
How do I store this cake?
Keep it airtight at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5. It also freezes like a dream.
Can I frost it?
Sure! Cream cheese or maple glaze both play very well with spiced flavors.
Conclusion
There you have it — the best applesauce cake recipe that checks all the boxes: moist, spiced, easy, and kinda addictive. Seriously, don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds… and the recipe.
Go ahead, give it a try. And if you do? Drop a comment, leave a review, or tag me on Instagram with your gorgeous cake pics. I promise to admire them like a proud baking parent.
Now, get in that kitchen and make something amazing — your future dessert-loving self will be grateful.