Description

This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is a delightful treat featuring the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce combined with warm spices and a tender crumb. Perfect for a light dessert or snack, this cake is easy to prepare and bake, with options to add raisins, nuts, or coconut for extra texture and taste. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional cakes, thanks to reduced oil and sugar content.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup water
3 tbsp oil or additional applesauce
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp white vinegar

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour (white, spelt, or oat)
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure an even baking temperature.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or additional applesauce if preferred), vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined and smooth.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and optional allspice to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a uniform batter forms, being careful not to overmix.
Include optional add-ins: If using, fold in raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut to the batter to add texture and extra flavor.
Prepare the pan: Grease an 8-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pour and smooth batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the center rack of the oven and bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Frost as desired or serve plain. Note that the flavor improves if allowed to rest overnight.

Notes

You can substitute oil with additional applesauce for a lower-fat version.
Using spelt or oat flour can add a different texture and flavor and make it gluten-free if using oat flour certified gluten-free.
Letting the cake sit overnight enhances the flavors and moistness.
Add-ins like raisins or nuts can be omitted or replaced according to preference or allergies.
Frosting is optional; simple cream cheese or buttercream pairs well with this cake.
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: applesauce cake, moist cake, easy dessert, quick bake, fruit cake, spiced cake