Easiest Applesauce Cake: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Applesauce cake is a classic comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from a cozy autumn afternoon to a simple weeknight dessert. This recipe is designed to be the *easiest* applesauce cake you’ll ever make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum taste. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
* **Moist and Delicious:** The applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist, and the spices add a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this cake with nuts, raisins, frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual brunch or a holiday gathering, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delightful applesauce cake:

* **2 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the cake. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the cake. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
* **1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg:** Complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon ground cloves:** A little goes a long way! Cloves add a depth of flavor and warmth.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure the butter is properly softened for best results.
* **1 cup granulated sugar:** Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
* **1 cup packed brown sugar:** Adds moisture and a molasses-like flavor.
* **2 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavors of the cake.
* **2 cups unsweetened applesauce:** The star ingredient! Adds moisture, flavor, and a slightly tangy sweetness.
* **Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans:** Adds texture and nutty flavor.
* **Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries:** Adds sweetness and chewiness.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking pan:** The ideal size for this cake. You can also use two 9-inch round cake pans.
* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately.
* **Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer):** Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, but you can also use a whisk.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the applesauce and nuts/raisins.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake the easiest applesauce cake:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

**Why this step is important:** Preheating the oven ensures even baking. Greasing and flouring (or lining with parchment paper) prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to ensure the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed.

**Why this step is important:** Evenly distributing the dry ingredients ensures that the cake rises properly and that the spices are evenly flavored throughout.

**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars**

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

**Why this step is important:** Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a light and airy cake. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.

**Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla**

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

**Why this step is important:** Adding the eggs one at a time ensures that they are fully incorporated into the batter. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

**Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients**

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

**Why this step is important:** Alternating the dry and wet ingredients helps prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which can result in a tough cake. Overmixing can also lead to a tough cake.

**Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Raisins (Optional)**

If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or dried cranberries.

**Why this step is important:** Folding in the nuts and raisins gently ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without deflating the cake.

**Step 7: Pour into Pan and Bake**

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

**Why this step is important:** Baking the cake until a skewer comes out clean ensures that the cake is fully cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.

**Step 8: Cool and Serve**

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust the cake with powdered sugar, frost it with cream cheese frosting, or serve it plain.

**Why this step is important:** Cooling the cake in the pan for a short time allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan. Cooling it completely on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy.

Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake

* **Use room temperature ingredients:** This helps the ingredients combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure accurately:** Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements.
* **Adjust spices to your liking:** If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
* **Add other fruits or nuts:** Get creative and add other fruits like chopped apples or pears, or other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Variations

Here are a few ideas to customize your applesauce cake:

* **Caramel Applesauce Cake:** Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
* **Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake:** Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
* **Spiced Applesauce Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This is a classic and delicious combination.
* **Apple Crumble Applesauce Cake:** Sprinkle a streusel topping over the cake before baking for added texture and flavor.
* **Applesauce Cake Muffins:** Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for a shorter time (around 18-20 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

Applesauce cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to dress it up:

* **Dust with powdered sugar:** A simple and elegant way to finish the cake.
* **Serve with whipped cream:** A classic pairing.
* **Top with ice cream:** Vanilla ice cream is a great choice.
* **Drizzle with caramel sauce:** Adds a touch of sweetness and richness.
* **Serve with a side of fresh fruit:** Berries, sliced apples, or pears complement the cake perfectly.
* **Accompany with a warm beverage:** Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are all great choices.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Recipe Card

**Easiest Applesauce Cake**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes

**Servings:** 12

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
* Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or dried cranberries.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, frost with cream cheese frosting, or serve plain.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Final Thoughts

This easiest applesauce cake recipe is a winner because it’s simple, delicious, and adaptable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll be able to whip up this cake with ease. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the moist, tender crumb. Happy baking!