moist applesauce cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
moist applesauce cake recipe
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The Best moist applesauce cake recipe

I’ve been making this moist applesauce cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

I like to think of this cake as a perfect representation of comfort food – it’s warm, inviting, and makes you feel all cozy inside. My kids love helping me mix the batter, and they can’t get enough of the sweet, tangy flavor of the applesauce.

I’ve even made this cake for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the applesauce.

I like to use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding any extra sugar to the recipe. This cake is perfect for everyday eating, too – just slice it up and serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast or snack.

And did I mention that it’s also relatively healthy? With applesauce as the main ingredient, you’re getting a boost of fiber and antioxidants with every bite.

Moist Applesauce Cake

Moist Applesauce Cake

4.5 from 1383 votes

This moist applesauce cake is a simple, spiced dessert that stays tender for days. Made with unsweetened applesauce and warm cinnamon, it is perfect for a cozy treat or an easy snack.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 290 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9×5-inch loaf 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, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
4Set the 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, then mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until smooth.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain.
8Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
9Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
10Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
11Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
12If using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing.

🔧Equipment

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 290 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 310mg🌾Total Carbs: 43g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly.

Watch Video Of How Moist Applesauce Cake Works

This moist applesauce cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick dessert solution for your household.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores; you can easily slice up leftover cake and freeze it for later use.

When reheating leftover slices, try warming them in the microwave or toaster oven for an extra-moist crumb that’s still perfectly tender.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Applesauce Cake

Q: What is the best type of applesauce to use in this recipe?

This recipe works best with unsweetened applesauce. You can use either homemade or store-bought unsweetened applesauce – just make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugars.

Q: Can I substitute the applesauce with another ingredient?

No, don’t even think about substituting the applesauce! The unique flavor and texture it adds to the cake are essential to its success. If you’re looking for a different twist on this recipe, you could try using different types of fruit purees or adding in some nuts or spices.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider freezing individual slices or the entire cake.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no. This recipe relies heavily on wheat flour for its structure and texture. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you could try using almond flour or coconut flour – just be aware that these will change the flavor and texture of the cake significantly.

Q: How do I ensure my cake is moist?

The secret to keeping your cake moist lies in not overmixing the batter. Mix your wet ingredients separately from your dry ingredients until they’re well combined before gently folding them together – this will help prevent overmixing and keep your cake tender.

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