Cinnamon-Kissed Moist Applesauce Cake Recipe for Fall Baking

Baking an irresistible applesauce cake that melts in your mouth and fills the kitchen with warm, comforting aromas never gets old.

This moist applesauce cake recipe brings together classic flavors that dance on your palate with each delightful bite.

Soft, tender crumbs packed with rich cinnamon notes create a dessert that feels like a sweet embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

The secret lies in using smooth, fresh applesauce that infuses natural sweetness throughout the cake.

Pantry staples transform into a delectable treat that comes together in just minutes.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of spice and sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this cake has been a beloved classic for generations.

Bake Applesauce Cake That’s Moist and Full of Flavor

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking pan a quick butter massage, then dust with a light flour coat.

• Create Dry

Grab a mixing bowl and whirl together flour, spices, and rising agents until they’re perfectly blended.

• Whip Butter And Sweetness

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugars into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light as air.

• Invite Eggs To The Party

Gently introduce eggs one at a time, letting each get cozy with the butter mixture. Splash in vanilla for extra charm.

• Blend Everything Together

Slowly marry your dry ingredients with the wet ones, welcoming applesauce to the mix. Fold everything gently until just combined.

• Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Slide into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean – around 35-50 minutes depending on your pan.

• Cool And Celebrate

Let the cake rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar or dress up with cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Boosting the Warmth in Applesauce Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and more even cake consistency.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure and texture.
• Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall fat content while maintaining moisture.
• Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cardamom, or add orange zest for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the applesauce.
• This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container, perfect for advance party planning or unexpected guests.

Serve This Cake with Icing or Dusting of Sugar

• Cozy Morning Companion: Pair this warm, spiced cake with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Sweet Dessert Upgrade: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Festive Party Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks for an elegant holiday gathering centerpiece.
• Portable Picnic Delight: Cut into individual squares and pack for outdoor adventures, making it a perfect travel-friendly snack that stays moist and delicious.

Store Applesauce Cake for Afternoon Slices

• Keep cake covered in an airtight container for 45 days, maintaining maximum moisture and softness without losing flavor intensity.
• Leave cake at ambient temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring a tender texture and preventing unnecessary refrigeration that might dry out the dessert.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen cake sections stay delicious for 23 months and thaw beautifully within 23 hours at room temperature.
• Slice entire cake before storing, allowing easier grab-and-enjoy moments without repeatedly cutting and potentially compromising the cake's structural integrity.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this Applesauce Cake?

The cake features warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that create a rich, comforting flavor profile. The applesauce provides natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake tender and delicious.

• Can I make this cake without nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! The recipe is flexible. You can skip the walnuts or raisins entirely without affecting the cake’s texture or overall taste. The cake will still be moist and flavorful.

• Is this recipe good for people who don't like strong apple flavor?

Yes! The applesauce acts more as a moisture enhancer and doesn’t create an overpowering apple taste. The spices are more prominent, giving the cake a delightful, aromatic quality that most people enjoy.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and tender.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 12

Applesauce Cake Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake's tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture.
• Baking Powder: Adds extra lift and ensures even rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice profile.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth and complementary fall-like warmth.
• Cloves: Contributes rich, complex undertone to spice blend.

• Applesauce: Brings natural sweetness and moisture without heavy fat.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create rich, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies overall flavor complexity.
• Softened Butter: Provides richness and helps create tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.

• Walnuts: Introduce delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
• Raisins: Offer sweet, chewy texture and natural sugar boost.

Tools for Mixing and Baking Applesauce Cake Right

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients together smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients and creating cake batter.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan or Bundt Pan: Key for baking the cake in the correct shape.
• Whisk: Crucial for thoroughly blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps smooth batter in the pan and fold in optional nuts or raisins.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness by testing the center.
• Wire Rack: Great for cooling the cake after baking and preventing soggy bottoms.

Moist Applesauce Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Moist applesauce cake delights with classic autumn spices and rich flavor. Homemade comfort shines through each tender slice, inviting you to savor seasonal warmth and nostalgic charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts or raisins
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and ready a 9×13-inch or bundt pan with a delicate butter coating and flour dusting.
2. Dry Blend: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl until perfectly integrated, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Butter Transformation: Cream butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes ethereally light and pale, developing a cloud-like consistency.
4. Liquid Harmony: Introduce eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract, creating a silky-smooth batter with consistent texture.
5. Ingredient Marriage: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with applesauce. If desired, softly integrate walnuts or raisins, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Pan Placement: Carefully pour batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
7. Baking Alchemy: Bake for 35-50 minutes, depending on pan type. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free from raw batter.
8. Cooling Ritual: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then gracefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, letting the flavors settle and intensify.
9. Serving Artistry: Present the cake in its pure form, or elevate with a delicate powdered sugar dusting or decadent cream cheese frosting for ultimate indulgence.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients to maintain the cake’s delicate texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and applesauce to reach room temperature before mixing, ensuring smoother blending and more consistent cake structure.
• Avoid Overmixing: Fold ingredients gently and minimally to prevent developing tough gluten, which can make the cake dense and heavy.
• Moisture Management: Choose unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels and prevent excessive sweetness while maintaining the cake’s signature moist consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg