best applesauce cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best applesauce cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite applesauce cake recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This moist and delicious cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy home cooks like myself.

The story behind this recipe begins with my grandmother, who would often make it for our family gatherings when I was growing up. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, carefully mixing together the ingredients and ensuring that every detail was perfect. Her love and care went into every single cake she made, and it showed in the final product. As I got older, I began to take on the task of making the applesauce cake for our family gatherings.

I’d follow my grandmother’s recipe to the letter, but I’d also add my own twist with different spices and flavorings. Over time, I’ve refined the recipe to perfection, and it’s now a staple in our household. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a snack, as a dessert, or even as a brunch item.

The applesauce adds natural sweetness without adding refined sugar, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative. Another benefit of this recipe is its ease of storage and reheating. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this applesauce cake recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think! This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the applesauce. The applesauce adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to each slice, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier dessert option.

Best Applesauce Cake

4.9 from 1891 votes

This moist and spiced applesauce cake is a simple, one-bowl dessert that stays tender for days. Made with pantry staples and sweetened naturally with applesauce, it is perfect for snacking or a quick treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce

Optional Glaze

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
4Set this dry mixture aside.
5In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
7Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
8Then add the applesauce and mix again until smooth, followed by the remaining dry ingredients, mixing only until no streaks of flour remain.
9Do not overmix.
10Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
11Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.
12Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
13If making the glaze, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, thinning with milk until you reach a pourable consistency.
14Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 310mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze. The cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when covered.

This applesauce cake is always a good idea for any occasion. It is simple to make and uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

The cake is moist and flavorful, and it works well for family gatherings or a quiet night at home. For storage, keep the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you have frosted it, refrigerate it and let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Cake

1. What type of apples should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use high-quality cooking apples such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked and add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

2. Can I substitute other types of sweetener?

No, this recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the applesauce to provide moisture and flavor. Using other types of sweetener will alter the texture and taste of the cake.

3. How do I ensure my cake doesn’t dry out?

To prevent your cake from drying out, be sure to not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients together.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

5. How long does this cake take to prepare?

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

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