Description

This Applesauce Cake is soft, moist, and packed with warm spices and apple goodness! It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that’s perfect for fall (or any time you’re craving a cozy dessert). No mixer required—just stir, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves (optional, but amazing!)
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious!):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or apple cider
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine & Fold

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in chopped walnuts or raisins, if using.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Make the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set.

Notes

✔ For extra apple flavor, use apple cider instead of milk in the glaze.
✔ Want a healthier version? Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
✔ Storage: Stays fresh for 3 days at room temp or up to a week in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: applesauce cake, easy fall dessert, moist apple cake