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applesauce cake recipe

Applesauce Cake Recipe

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 35 minutes
Total 50 minutes
With sweet applesauce and warm spices! So moist, so nostalgic. A comforting cake perfect for fall and cozy afternoons!
5 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For this deliciously moist applesauce cake recipe, gather these ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (substitute: coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (substitute: melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs , room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper for easier removal. Pro tip: A light coating of cinnamon sugar on the greased pan creates a delightful crust.
    Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This thorough mixing ensures the spices distribute evenly throughout your cake, preventing pockets of intense flavor.
    Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, beat the oil and sugar until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce. For extra moisture, use room temperature ingredients which blend more efficiently.
    Step 4: Combine Mixtures
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a tougher cake, so use a gentle folding motion once you see the flour mostly incorporated.
    Step 5: Add Mix-ins
    If using, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit. For a personalized touch, try toasting the nuts for 5-7 minutes before adding – this simple step enhances their flavor profile dramatically and complements the spiced cake perfectly.
    Step 6: Transfer to Pan
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles that could create holes in your finished cake.
    Step 7: Bake to Perfection
    Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back lightly when touched. Begin checking at the 35-minute mark as oven temperatures vary.
    Step 8: Cool Properly
    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This two-stage cooling prevents condensation from making the bottom soggy while preserving the cake's structure.
    Step 9: Prepare Optional Glaze
    For an elevated finish, prepare a simple glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons apple cider or milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Adjust consistency as needed before drizzling over the cooled cake.
    Step 10: Slice and Serve
    Once completely cooled, slice into squares and serve. For special occasions, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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