Applesauce Cake Recipe

Applesauce Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed plain or topped with cream cheese frosting. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that evokes cozy autumn vibes.

Applesauce Cake Recipe Servings

Serves 12 people.

Estimated Cost

Approximately $10 USD.

Prep Time

10 minutes.

Courses

Dessert (can also be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast).

Cuisine

American.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ¼ cup avocado oil (or neutral oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, maple syrup/honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to whip the ingredients until smooth and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
3. Spread frosting over the cooled cake.

Calories

Approximately 250 kcal per serving.

Recipe Notes

1. This cake stays moist for days and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
2. For added flavor, substitute apple juice for water in the batter or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
3. To make it gluten-free, use King Arthur Measure-for-Measure gluten-free flour.
4. The frosting is optional;