Moist Applesauce Cake – Classic, Easy & Healthier Dessert
This classic applesauce cake is incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and easy to make. Applesauce replaces some of the fat, making it a healthier dessert option that’s still full of flavor. Perfect for holidays or a cozy everyday treat, it’s also easy to adapt for vegan and dairy-free diets.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9x13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for egg-free
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in optional add-ins, like nuts or raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing or frosting.
Notes
You can use sweetened applesauce but reduce added sugar by ¼ cup.
To make it vegan, use applesauce or flax eggs instead of eggs and dairy-free oil or vegan butter.
Add a maple glaze or cream cheese frosting for a holiday-ready finish.
For muffins, bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
To make it vegan, use applesauce or flax eggs instead of eggs and dairy-free oil or vegan butter.
Add a maple glaze or cream cheese frosting for a holiday-ready finish.
For muffins, bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.