Applesauce cake is a dessert that perfectly combines the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce with aromatic spices! It creates a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe guide will show you how to make an applesauce cake that is moist & spiced from scratch.
What Is Applesauce Cake?
Applesauce cake is a moist dessert cake made primarily from applesauce, flour, sugar, and a blend of spices. Its origins trace back to early colonial times in the United States, particularly in the New England Colonies. Over the years, it has become a beloved classic, often enjoyed as a coffee cake or a simple dessert. The cake’s moist texture is because of the applesauce.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake Recipe
To make a traditional applesauce cake, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a a 13×9-inch baking pan. Grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Take a large mixing bowl and whisk baking soda, flour, baking powder, salt, & spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice) until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, take another bowl and beat granulated sugar, brown sugar & eggs until you get a pale and fluffy mixture. Add the applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Keep stirring gently until just both the mixtures are well combined. Be careful – do not overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
5. Add Optional Ingredients
You can add and mix the chopped nuts and raisins or currants, if you are using them.
6. Pour The Batter
It’s time to carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan. Just ensure that you spread the batter evenly in the pan.
6. Bake the Cake
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes! You can also use the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick in the batter before putting it in the oven. If it comes out clean, the cake is baked. Allow your Applesauce cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting and Serving Suggestions
While applesauce cake is delightful on its own, you can try frosting it or glazing it to elevate its flavour:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together 8 oz cream cheese, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Caramel Glaze: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: If you want a simple finish, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar.
Variations of Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake is versatile and can be customised to suit different tastes:
- Spiced Applesauce Cake: Increase the amount of cinnamon and add other spices like cloves and allspice for a more intense flavour.
- Vegan Applesauce Cake: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use a plant-based oil.
- Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Applesauce Coffee Cake: Add a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon before baking.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Storage: Store the applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Serving: Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
This applesauce cake recipe combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with aromatic spices, resulting in a moist and flavourful treat. Whether enjoyed plain or with a luscious frosting, it will surely be a hit as a birthday cake or any occasion or gathering.
Happy baking!
