applesauce cake

Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake delivers the cozy, spiced warmth of fall in every tender, moist bite. This one-bowl recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a family favorite that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or potlucks. No mixer required, it bakes up light yet flavorful with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus optional raisins and nuts for texture.

Why Make Applesauce Cake

Applesauce cake stands out for its unbeatable moisture from the applesauce, eliminating the need for buttermilk or extra oil. It offers a spiced profile similar to carrot cake but bakes faster and uses everyday ingredients. This treat shines in versatility, from plain slices to frosted layers.

Feature	Applesauce Cake	Banana Bread
Moisture Source	Applesauce	Mashed Bananas
Bake Time	35 minutes	55-65 minutes
Key Spices	Cinnamon, Cloves	Optional Nutmeg
Best Add-ins	Raisins, Pecans	Walnuts, Chips

Ingredients

For the Cake (12 servings):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce (chunky for texture)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Substitutions:
Use sweetened applesauce and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup. For vegan, swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water each) and use plant-based cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, about 1 minute. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
4. Fold in raisins or pecans if using.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Thin with milk if needed. Spread over cooled cake.​

Variations

• Muffins: Fill liners 3/4 full, bake 18-22 minutes at 350°F. Yields 12-15.
• Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Follow subs above; top with maple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp maple syrup).
• Spice Boost: Add 1/2 cup shredded apple for extra moisture.
  Troubleshoot dense cake by measuring flour by weight (240g per cup) and using room-temp eggs. For high altitude, reduce baking soda to 1.5 tsp and bake 5 minutes longer.​

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Frosted)

Approximate values based on 12 servings:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Carbs	48g
Protein	4g
Fat	13g
Fiber	1.5g
Sugar	35g

Storage and Freezing

Store unfrosted cake at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days. Frosted cake keeps in the fridge up to 1 week; cover tightly to retain moisture. Freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and bring to room temp for best texture.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, reduce brown sugar by 1/4 cup to balance sweetness.

What if I don’t have cloves?
Substitute with extra cinnamon or allspice (1/2 tsp).

Egg-free version?
Use 2 flax eggs or 1/2 cup plain yogurt.

Best pan size?
9×13 for sheet cake; two 8-inch rounds for layers (bake 25-30 min).

Why is my cake sunken?
Oven door opened too soon; bake until toothpick test passes.

High altitude tips?
Increase flour by 2 tbsp, reduce sugar by 2 tbsp, bake at 375°F.

Nut-free?
Skip nuts or use sunflower seeds.

Dairy-free frosting?
Use vegan cream cheese and coconut oil.

Make ahead?
Bake and freeze unfrosted up to 1 month; frost day-of.

Mini bundt cakes?
Bake 20-25 min at 350°F; yields 12.

Add chocolate?
Stir in 1/2 cup chips with dry ingredients.

Brown sugar sub?
Use granulated + 1 tbsp molasses.

Oil vs butter?
Oil keeps it moister; butter adds richer flavor.

Serve this old fashioned applesauce cake warm with coffee for an irresistible treat that fills your home with spice-scented comfort. Slice generously for sharing.

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