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.
- Prep Time: 15 M
- Cook Time: 35 M
- Total Time: 50 M
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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)
Substitutions: Use sweetened applesauce and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup. For vegan, swap eggs with flax eggs.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- 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.
- Fold in raisins or pecans if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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.
Notes
Storage: Room temp 2 days, fridge 1 week, freezer 3 months.
Troubleshooting: Dense cake? Measure flour by weight. Sunken? Don’t open oven early.
Variations: Muffins (18-22 min), gluten-free (1:1 flour), vegan subs.
Find it online: https://chababrecipes.com/applesauce-cake/