Why You’ll Love This applesauce cake recipe
- Ease of preparation: This applesauce cake recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring just a handful of common ingredients and minimal mixing. The batter comes together quickly, and the baking time is reasonable, making it perfect for busy days when you want a moist, flavorful dessert without fuss.
- Health benefits: Utilizing unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the cake lighter in fat and sugar than traditional recipes. Applesauce supplies fiber and antioxidants, helping support digestion and overall wellness, making this applesauce cake a smarter dessert option.
- Versatility: This applesauce cake recipe easily adapts to various dietary preferences. Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or mashed bananas for a vegan option, or choose a gluten-free flour blend to make it friendly for gluten sensitivities. You can also reduce sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners for a lower-calorie treat.
- Distinctive flavor: The applesauce infuses the cake with subtle fruity notes and moist crumb, uniquely complementing warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This blend creates a comforting, aromatic experience that stands out from typical cakes and delights every palate.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This applesauce cake recipe
- 2. Essential Ingredients for applesauce cake recipe
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect applesauce cake recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your applesauce cake recipe
- 5. Mastering applesauce cake recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store applesauce cake recipe: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About applesauce cake recipe
- 8. applesauce cake recipe
Essential Ingredients for applesauce cake recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups (about 280 grams) all-purpose flour – provides the cake’s structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – leavens the cake for a light texture
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise evenly
- ¾ teaspoon salt – balances the flavors
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – adds warm, sweet spice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – contributes subtle heat and complexity
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – enhances warmth and depth
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (or substitute with ground cloves) – gives aromatic layers to the spice blend
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar – sweetens the cake
- ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar, broken up – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – bind the ingredients and help with rise
- 2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened applesauce, smooth – moistens the cake and imparts natural sweetness
- ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable or canola oil – keeps the crumb tender and moist (melted butter can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
- Optional: ¾ cup (about 90 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans, or raisins – add texture and flavor complexity
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Replace eggs with 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water or mashed bananas.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
- Low-calorie: Substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol and reduce oil quantity for a lighter cake.
How to Prepare the Perfect applesauce cake recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal and even baking of your applesauce cake.
Second Step: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves for about 30 seconds. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, which helps the cake bake evenly and taste balanced.
Third Step: Mix wet ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium speed until pale and fluffy about 2 minutes. For those without a mixer, vigorous hand beating for about 4 minutes also works well. Then add the unsweetened applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Fourth Step: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold them together using a spatula until no visible flour streaks remain. Do not overmix; the batter should stay somewhat lumpy for a tender, moist crumb. If using nuts or raisins, fold them in at this stage.
Fifth Step: Pour and bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the middle rack for about 30 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Sixth Step: Cool and frost
Allow the applesauce cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Optionally, add cinnamon and salt for a spiced variation. If the frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading evenly over the cooled cake.
Final Step: Serve and enjoy
Slice the cake and serve either chilled or at room temperature. This applesauce cake is delightful on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry for a balanced meal.
Tip: For best results, measure flour by weight or use the scoop and level technique to maintain consistency.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your applesauce cake recipe
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
While applesauce cake is a vegetarian-friendly dessert with eggs as binders, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed bananas for a vegan-friendly option. For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with seeds such as sunflower. Using chickpea flour or almond flour can boost protein content while catering to gluten-free needs.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
Add grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for extra moistness and nutritional boost. Swap the individual spices with a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend to save time and vary flavor. For added richness, incorporate browned butter instead of oil. You can also experiment with different frosting options, such as caramel or browned butter cream cheese frosting, to add richness and texture.
Mastering applesauce cake recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly and bakes with consistent texture. Sift the dry spices with flour for a lighter crumb.
- Flavor variations: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or raisins to the batter for extra texture. Try swapping cinnamon with cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for seasonal flair.
- Presentation tips: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze. Garnishing with fresh apple slices or mint leaves adds a lovely visual touch.
- Make-ahead options: The batter can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld. Bake fresh when ready or freeze the baked cake wrapped tightly for up to three months.
How to Store applesauce cake recipe: Best Practices
| Storage Method | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Store the applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness. | Up to 5 days |
| Freezing | Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. | Up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to soften and refresh. | As needed |
| Meal prep considerations | Cut the cake into portions before storing for convenient grab-and-go snacks or desserts, ideal for busy households. | Varies |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About applesauce cake recipe
How can I make applesauce cake without a hand mixer?
You can make applesauce cake without a hand mixer by whisking the ingredients by hand. Use a balloon whisk to beat the eggs and sugar vigorously for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This process incorporates enough air to help the cake rise. After that, gently fold in the remaining ingredients as directed by the recipe. This method works well and produces a moist, tender cake.
How do I tell when my applesauce cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again. Avoid overbaking, as that can dry out the cake. The edges may also start to pull away slightly from the pan when fully baked.
What is the best way to store applesauce cake to keep it fresh?
If your applesauce cake is frosted with cream cheese or similar frosting, store it covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture and freshness. The cake will keep well for up to four days. For unfrosted cake, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
Can I prepare applesauce cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, applesauce cake can be baked up to 24 hours in advance. It often tastes better the next day once the flavors meld. Bake it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature if unfrosted. Add frosting just before serving. If already frosted, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Is it possible to freeze applesauce cake for later use?
You can freeze applesauce cake by wrapping it tightly with two layers of plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the cake to the refrigerator overnight, still wrapped. Once thawed, keep it refrigerated and consume within a few days for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing cream cheese frosting separately as it can separate upon thawing.
applesauce cake recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🍎 Savor a moist, spiced applesauce cake perfect for pairing with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry.
🍰 This easy-to-make cake features warm spices and creamy frosting for a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans or raisins
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare the oven and pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal and even baking of your applesauce cake.
2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves for about 30 seconds. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, which helps the cake bake evenly and taste balanced.
3-Third Step: Mix wet ingredients In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium speed until pale and fluffy about 2 minutes. For those without a mixer, vigorous hand beating for about 4 minutes also works well. Then add the unsweetened applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4-Fourth Step: Combine wet and dry mixtures Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold them together using a spatula until no visible flour streaks remain. Do not overmix; the batter should stay somewhat lumpy for a tender, moist crumb. If using nuts or raisins, fold them in at this stage.
5-Fifth Step: Pour and bake Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the middle rack for about 30 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6-Sixth Step: Cool and frost Allow the applesauce cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Optionally, add cinnamon and salt for a spiced variation. If the frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading evenly over the cooled cake.
7-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Slice the cake and serve either chilled or at room temperature. This applesauce cake is delightful on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry for a balanced meal.
Notes
🥄 Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and enhance natural flavors.
⏳ Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense or tough texture.
🌰 Add nuts or raisins for added texture and a flavor boost if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour minimum
- Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450-580 kcal
- Sugar: 44-49 g
- Sodium: 226-292 mg
- Fat: 22-34 g
- Saturated Fat: 8-13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62-66 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Protein: 4-5 g
- Cholesterol: 54-65 mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, spiced cake, moist cake, cream cheese frosting