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Home » Desserts » Applesauce Cake

Published: Apr 9, 2020 · Modified: Apr 28, 2020 by Kathy · This post may contain affiliate links

Applesauce Cake

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A slice of cake topped with powdered sugar.

Applesauce cake is a very moist cake with warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. This delicious, easy to make eggless cake is perfectly finished with  just a sprinkling of powdered sugar! 

Square pieces of spice cake topped with powdered sugar.

Applesauce cake is an old fashioned cake made with a few basic pantry ingredients. No eggs are added. This cake is a depression era cake and reminds me a bit of chocolate mayonnaise cake in its simplicity.  You know when a recipe has survived this long and is still made on a regular basis, that it's delicious! 

Cake slices on a white plate.

At first glance, this cake isn't a show stopper. It's rather plain looking and non assuming. Don't judge a book, or cake, by its cover! First bite proves this is one delicious cake! The applesauce in this cake makes the cake very moist. The spices make every bite warm and cozy. 

Table of Contents show
To prepare cake batter:
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Can I freeze this cake?
What type of applesauce is best in this cake?
Variations:
Tips for making this cake
Other delicious cake recipes
Applesauce Cake
Tips for making this cake
Variations:

To prepare cake batter:

  1. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices together in a bowl
  2. Cream butter in a mixing bowl until soft and fluffy. Mix in brown sugar
  3. Add half of flour mixture and combine
  4. Add applesauce and vanilla 
  5. Mix in remaining flour mixture
  6. Place in a greased baking dish
    Flour and spices in a bowl with a small whisk.1
    Flour added to cake batter in a large bowl.3
    Cake batter in a mixing bowl.5
    Dry crumbly cake batter in a bowl.2
    Applesauce added to cake batter in a mixing bowl.4
    Cake batter in a glass baking dish.6
  7. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes
  8. Allow cake to cool and top with powdered sugar

Baked cake in a glass dish.

Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake one day ahead of your intended serving time. Once cake has fully cooled, cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Add powdered sugar just before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake can be frozen for up to one  month. Allow cake to fully cool. Cover with plastic wrap and then foil. Label and date cake. To use pull from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature. Add powdered sugar just before serving. 

What type of applesauce is best in this cake?

I like to use homemade applesauce when making this cake. However, store bought applesauce works just as well. Do not use a artificially sweetened applesauce or a flavored applesauce. Unsweetened applesauce is okay to use. 

Variations:

If you are looking for a few variations on this applesauce cake, consider adding any of the following options:

  • 1 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • ½ cup of raisins
  • ½ cup of dried cranberries

 

Tips for making this cake

  • Use softened butter
  • When measuring brown sugar, firmly pack it into measuring cup
  • Do not over mix cake batter. Just stir until flour is mixed in
  • Allow cake to fully cool in baking dish

A slice of cake on a small white plate.

Other delicious cake recipes

  • Cherry snack cake
  • Strawberry cake
  • Carrot cake
  • Chocolate apple cake
  • Old fashioned spice cake - by Hearts Content Farmhouse

Don't forget to PIN for later!A slice of cake topped with powdered sugar.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my dessert recipes!

Square pieces of spice cake topped with powdered sugar.

Applesauce Cake

Kathy
Eggless cake made with applesauce an warm spices.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 229 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

  • 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Grease a 8 x 11 inch baking dish
  • Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a bowl
  • Cream butter in a mixing bowl with a mixer until soft. Add brown sugar and combine
  • Add half the flour mixture. Mix until incorporated
  • Mix in applesauce and vanilla
  • Add remaining flour and mix until flour is completely mixed in
  • Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Smooth batter with a spatula so it is evenly spread in dish
  • Bake for 30 minutes
  • Allow cake to fully cool in baking dish.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving

Notes

Tips for making this cake

  • Use softened butter
  • When measuring brown sugar, firmly pack it into measuring cup
  • Do not over mix cake batter. Just stir until flour is mixed in
  • Allow cake to fully cool in baking dish

Variations:

If you are looking for a few variations on this applesauce cake, consider adding any of the following options:
  • 1 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • ½ cup of raisins
  • ½ cup of dried cranberries

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 216mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 242IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Keyword applesauce cake, eggless cake
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

Recipe adapted from The New Doubleday Cookbook and Joy of Cooking.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sabrina Ramsahai says

    November 17, 2020 at 11:29 am

    It was AMAZING! So moist, soft and tasty.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 17, 2020 at 12:21 pm

      Thanks! Glad you loved it. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Valentina says

    April 10, 2020 at 11:53 am

    5 stars
    Baked goods with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove are calling my name right now. Perfect for this cool, rainy LA day. In quarantine, no less. 😉 ~Valentina

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 11, 2020 at 6:38 am

      Times sure are different right now! A perfect time for baking!

      Reply
  3. David @ Spiced says

    April 10, 2020 at 3:29 am

    5 stars
    I've used apple sauce in baking before as a way to lighten the calories, but I've never used apple sauce as the primary flavor. I'm intrigued! And as you said, this one is perfect because it relies on pantry ingredients. Now I just need to convince Robbie to "loan" me some of his apple sauce... 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 10, 2020 at 6:14 am

      So true! Applesauce for toddlers is one of their favorites. He might let you "borrow" some if he knows it's for cake!

      Reply
  4. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    April 09, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    This cake brings back such sweet memories for me Kathy! Growing up a local orchard sold an applesauce cake that was my parent's favorite. Can't wait to try your recipe!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 10, 2020 at 6:13 am

      How lovely! This will be a fun one for you to make.

      Reply
  5. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    April 09, 2020 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    Looks and sounds like a delicious cake, Kathy! What a great way to infuse the cake with more flavour, moisture and some natural sweetness! Love a slice this afternoon with my cuppa 😉

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 10, 2020 at 6:12 am

      Lots of flavor!

      Reply

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I'm Kathy, a busy working mom who loves to cook from scratch, grow a garden, and raise farm animals. Take a look around and find all my recipes, gardening tips, and country living antics..

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