Applesauce Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This applesauce cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With only 9 ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for a quick dessert. The cake is soft, moist, and full of comforting flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. Plus, it’s free of eggs and dairy, making it suitable for vegan diets, and it can even be made oil-free. Whether you prefer it plain or with a bit of frosting, this cake is sure to please everyone!

Applesauce Cake Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup applesauce

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 3 tbsp oil or additional applesauce

  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp white or cider vinegar

  • 1 1/2 cups white, spelt, or oat flour

  • 1/3 cup sugar (unrefined if desired)

  • 3/4 tsp salt

  • 3/4 tsp baking powder

  • 3/4 tsp baking soda

  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

  • Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice

  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or extra applesauce), vanilla extract, and vinegar.

  3. Stir in the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (and allspice, if using) until well combined.

  4. Optional: Stir in raisins, walnuts, or coconut if desired.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  6. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Allow the cake to cool before frosting or serving. The cake will be even better the next day!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 9 slices

  • Total Time: 18 minutes (baking time)

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use oat flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

  • Sugar Substitutes: You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or any sweetener of your choice.

  • Flavor Options: Add different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a spicier flavor.

  • Frosting: This cake can be served plain, or you can frost it with a simple glaze, coconut whipped cream, or even cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • If you’d like to keep it longer, slice and freeze the cake for up to a month.

  • To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without oil?

Yes, you can substitute the oil with additional applesauce for a completely oil-free version.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of spelt or oat flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser texture. Spelt or oat flour are recommended for the best texture.

Can I add fruit to this cake?

Yes, you can add raisins, chopped apples, or any dried fruit you like for extra sweetness and texture.

How can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain eggs or dairy.

Can I use homemade applesauce?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce works perfectly in this recipe.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

The cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Can I freeze this applesauce cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to a month. Just slice it, wrap it tightly in plastic, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?

You can substitute the sugar with stevia, erythritol, or another sugar alternative, but keep in mind the texture and sweetness may vary.

How can I make this cake more decadent?

You can frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze to make it richer and more indulgent.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use oat flour or another gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Conclusion

This applesauce cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a comforting treat, this applesauce cake is sure to hit the spot.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Applesauce Cake Recipe

Applesauce Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 18 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 9 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This easy applesauce cake recipe creates a moist, tender cake with comforting flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. With just 9 simple ingredients, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free, this applesauce cake can be made oil-free and is customizable with optional mix-ins. A quick 18-minute bake time makes it a go-to treat when you’re craving something sweet and simple!


Ingredients

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup water

3 tbsp oil or additional applesauce

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp white or cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups white, spelt, or oat flour

1/3 cup sugar (unrefined if desired)

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice

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


Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or extra applesauce), vanilla extract, and vinegar.

  • Stir in the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (and allspice, if using) until well combined.

  • Optional: Stir in raisins, walnuts, or coconut if desired.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  • Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Allow the cake to cool before frosting or serving. The cake will be even better the next day!


Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use oat flour to make this cake gluten-free.

  • Sugar Substitutes: Coconut sugar, brown sugar, or other sweeteners can be used in place of white sugar.

  • Flavor Variations: Add nutmeg, ginger, or other spices for extra flavor.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze slices for up to 1 month.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *