Applesauce Cake Recipe: 1 Ultimate, Cozy Delight

Welcome! Are you ready to bake a cake that feels like a warm hug? This applesauce cake recipe delivers just that – an incredibly moist, tender crumb infused with comforting spices and the gentle sweetness of applesauce. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mingling with baked apples. It’s pure bliss! Did you know that applesauce cakes gained popularity during times when fresh fruit or butter might have been scarce? Applesauce provided moisture and sweetness, making it a clever and delicious pantry staple solution!

This particular applesauce cake recipe is special because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and impressive flavor. It’s remarkably easy to whip up, requiring straightforward steps and common ingredients you likely already have. This makes it ideal for beginner bakers or busy weeknights when you crave something homemade without the fuss. It’s a true family-pleaser, consistently earning rave reviews from kids and adults alike. While some chocolate cakes offer intense richness, this applesauce cake provides a comforting, spiced alternative that’s just as satisfying in its own unique way. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, heartwarming cake!

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake Recipe

There are so many reasons this applesauce cake recipe will become a favorite in your baking rotation:

Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the applesauce and oil, this cake boasts a wonderfully tender and moist texture that stays fresh for days. No dry cake here!
Rich Spice Flavor: A warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives this cake its signature comforting taste, perfect for fall or any time you need a cozy treat.
Wonderfully Simple: The instructions are straightforward, using common mixing methods (wet into dry) and basic pantry ingredients. No complicated techniques are required.
Quick Preparation: You can have the batter mixed and in the oven in about 15-20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for relatively quick homemade goodness.
Uses Pantry Staples: Relying heavily on ingredients like flour, sugar, oil, eggs, and applesauce means you might already have everything you need.
Adaptable: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. You can also adjust the spice levels to your preference.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its universally appealing flavor and comforting nature make it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, or simply an afternoon snack.
Amazing Frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is the perfect tangy and sweet complement to the spiced cake, taking it to the next level.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful applesauce cake recipe:

For the Applesauce Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt (adjust if using salted butter in frosting)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (You can adjust slightly based on preference)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (Optional, but adds depth)
2 cups unsweetened applesauce (chilled or room temperature is fine)
2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil (like canola or other neutral oil)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt (Omit or reduce if using salted butter)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect applesauce cake recipe:

Make the Applesauce Cake:

Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C or 177°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it generously, or spraying it thoroughly with a nonstick baking spray. Lining the bottom with parchment paper after greasing can also help ensure easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Next, in a medium to large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using). Whisking is important to distribute the leaveners and spices evenly. Set this bowl aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract together. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, making sure the sugars are well incorporated. Using room temperature eggs can help them combine more easily.
Combine Wet and Dry: Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Mix on low speed if using an electric mixer, or stir gently with a spatula, stopping just when combined. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the cake dense or tough. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure there are no hidden pockets of flour.
Fold in Nuts (Optional): If you’re including chopped walnuts or pecans, gently fold them into the batter at this point.
Pour and Spread: Pour the finished cake batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to carefully spread the batter so it’s even across the pan.
Bake: Place the pan onto the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep in mind that baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s wise to start checking around the 30-minute mark. The cake is ready when the top looks set, springs back lightly when you touch it, and a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Completely: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire cooling rack. It’s very important to let the cake cool completely in the pan before you attempt to frost it. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off. Allow several hours for proper cooling.

Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand-held electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and the softened cream cheese together. Mix on medium speed until the combination is light, fluffy, and completely smooth without any lumps.
Add Flavors: Add the ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat again until these ingredients are well combined.
Add Powdered Sugar: Turn your mixer speed down to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, roughly one cup at a time. Beat well after each addition until the sugar is incorporated. Sifting the powdered sugar is key to preventing lumps in your final frosting.
Beat Until Fluffy: After all the powdered sugar has been added, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating for another minute or two. The goal is to get the frosting very smooth, creamy, and wonderfully fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Ensure the applesauce cake is completely cool. Then, spread the prepared cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can use an offset spatula or simply the back of a spoon for this.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile applesauce cake recipe is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate it further:

Classic Slice: Enjoy a simple square served at room temperature or slightly chilled if you prefer the frosting firm.
Warm Treat: Gently warm a slice (without frosting, or add frosting after warming) and serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cool cream is fantastic.
Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting adds another layer of decadent flavor.
Extra Nuts: Sprinkle additional toasted walnuts or pecans over the frosting just before serving for extra crunch.
Coffee Companion: It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack or simple dessert.
Dusting: If skipping the frosting, a simple dusting of powdered sugar looks elegant and adds a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside some fresh apple slices or a small berry compote for a brighter contrast.

FAQs about Applesauce Cake Recipe

Here are answers to some common questions about making this applesauce cake recipe:

What kind of applesauce is best? Unsweetened applesauce is generally preferred because the recipe already contains sugar. You can use sweetened, but you might want to slightly reduce the granulated or brown sugar in the cake batter. Smooth or chunky applesauce both work; it’s a matter of personal preference.
Can I use butter instead of oil? Yes, you can often substitute melted butter for vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. Oil tends to make cakes slightly moister for longer, while butter adds a distinct flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? While this specific recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free flour, some recipes suggest using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum might work. The texture might be slightly different.
How do I store applesauce cake? Because of the cream cheese frosting, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes. You can freeze the unfrosted cake layer or the fully frosted cake.
- Unfrosted: Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Frosted: Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator until the frosting is firm. Then, wrap tightly as above. Freeze for up to 1-2 months (cream cheese frosting can sometimes change texture slightly upon thawing). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake’s flavor often deepens, and it becomes even moister the day after baking. You can bake the cake one day, store it covered at room temperature (if unfrosted) or in the fridge (if frosted), and serve the next day.
My cake seems dense. What went wrong? Overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients is a common cause of dense cake. Mix only until the flour disappears. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh, as expired leaveners won’t work effectively.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Please note that these values are estimates based on the ingredients listed (using unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and excluding optional nuts) and assuming a 16-serving yield. Actual nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients used, optional additions, and final serving size. Data adapted from similar recipes.

Per Serving (1/16th of cake with frosting):

Calories: Approx. 581 kcal
Carbohydrates: Approx. 66g
Protein: Approx. 5g
Fat: Approx. 34g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 13g
Cholesterol: Approx. 65mg
Sodium: Approx. 226mg
Fiber: Approx. 2g
Sugar: Approx. 49g

(Consult a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients for precise information.)

Recipe Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake

Follow these tips to ensure your applesauce cake recipe turns out perfectly every time:

Use Unsweetened Applesauce: This gives you better control over the final sweetness of the cake.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour, leading to a dry cake.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. A few small lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tougher texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly essential for this oil-based cake, having eggs and even applesauce at room temperature can help the batter emulsify better. For the frosting, softened (not melted!) butter and cream cheese are crucial for a smooth, non-greasy result.
Check Doneness Properly: Rely on the toothpick test (clean or a few moist crumbs) rather than just time, as oven temperatures vary. The center should feel slightly springy when gently pressed.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is critical! Frosting a warm cake will result in a melted mess. Be patient; it can take a few hours on a wire rack.
Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest cream cheese frosting without lumps, always sift your powdered sugar before adding it.
Customize Spices: Feel free to slightly increase or decrease the amount of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or cloves based on your personal preference. A pinch of allspice is also a nice addition.
Proper Pan Prep: Ensure your 9×13 pan is well-greased and floured (or sprayed with baking spray) to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

This applesauce cake recipe truly is a keeper, offering that perfect blend of comforting spice, incredible moisture, and satisfying sweetness, all wrapped up in a wonderfully simple baking process. It’s the kind of cake that fills your home with warmth and brings everyone together, whether for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat. With its straightforward steps and delicious results, complete with that tangy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

We sincerely hope you enjoy every step of making – and eating! – this delightful applesauce cake recipe.

Explore More Applesauce Cake Variations and Tips:

For a different perspective on a classic, check out the highly-rated Applesauce Cake I on Allrecipes2.
Curious about an eggless or super quick version? The Conscious Plant Kitchen offers a simple 5-ingredient take3.
If you love unique frostings, explore this Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe7.
For tips on achieving ultimate moistness using yogurt alongside applesauce, see Alexandra’s Kitchen’s Moist Applesauce Bundt Cake1.