Applesauce Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Applesauce Cake is a delightful dessert that’s not only easy to make but also moist and flavorful. It brings together the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the natural sweetness of applesauce. This cake is perfect for gatherings, snack time, or just a comforting treat at home. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting to take it to the next level!

How to Make Applesauce Cake

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups applesauce (unsweetened, all-natural)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3½ cups powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until they are combined. If you like, fold in the walnuts or pecans.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Move the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a hand-held mixer, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth.
Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until everything is well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beaters as needed.
Spread the cream cheese frosting on the fully cooled cake. Remember, this cake should be refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

You can serve Applesauce Cake as a dessert, a sweet treat with coffee or tea, or even as a snack throughout the day. Cut it into squares and enjoy the rich flavors with each bite. It’s delicious on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well too!

How to Store Applesauce Cake

To keep your Applesauce Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 5-7 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake without frosting. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.

Tips to Make Applesauce Cake

Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake texture.
If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans.
You can add raisins or chopped apples for extra flavor and texture.

Variation

You can customize your Applesauce Cake by adding different spices or mix-ins. Try using pumpkin spice for a fall twist or adding shredded carrots for a moist carrot-apple cake.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind that it will make the cake sweeter. Consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to make it egg-free.

How can I make the frosting dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and margarine instead of the regular butter and cream cheese to make a dairy-free frosting.