This Applesauce Cake is a cozy, moist delight that brings the comforting flavors of fall to your table in no time. With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, it’s a quick yet impressive treat. The tender crumb, enriched with sweet applesauce, is perfectly balanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite is a harmonious blend of soft texture and rich, autumnal aroma, making it irresistible for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or an afternoon snack, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. The subtle sweetness and hint of tanginess from the applesauce create a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a simple yet elegant way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need for Applesauce Cake?
- 1 cup applesauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup avocado oil (or other neutral oil like vegetable or canola)
- ¼ cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
- ½ cup almond flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, or substitute with pecans)
- Cream Cheese Frosting (optional, for topping)
How to Make Applesauce Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, almond milk, eggs, vanilla, and vinegar until fully combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 32 to 39 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Delicious Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Cake
While the optional cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, there are plenty of other ways to top your applesauce cake. Try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. For a fruity twist, add a layer of sliced apples or a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous, a maple glaze or toasted coconut flakes can add a unique flavor and texture.
How to Store and Keep Your Cake Fresh?
To keep your applesauce cake moist and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added frosting, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Easy Recipe Variations to Try
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Swap the walnuts for pecans or dried cranberries for a different texture and flavor. If you’re gluten-free, replace the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and a plant-based milk. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to adjust the flavor profile.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To streamline the process, measure out all your ingredients before starting—this is called mise en place. Use a store-bought applesauce to save time, or make a large batch of homemade applesauce ahead of time and freeze it in portions. If you’re short on time, skip the frosting and serve the cake as-is—it’s still delicious! For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Results
An 8×8-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, but a 9-inch round cake pan works too. Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and cleanup. A whisk and rubber spatula are key for mixing the batter smoothly. For even baking, invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. A wire rack is essential for cooling the cake properly before serving.
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup avocado oil, or other neutral oil
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup almond flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Cream Cheese Frosting, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. I also line mine with a sheet of parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, oil, almond milk, eggs, vanilla, and vinegar and whisk until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose, whole wheat, and almond flours, apple pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, then fold in the walnuts. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 32 to 39 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake is completely cool, top it with cream cheese frosting, if desired.