This moist applesauce cake delivers warm spices, tender crumb, and natural sweetness from applesauce that keeps every slice irresistibly soft. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weeknight treats, this one-bowl recipe comes together in minutes with pantry staples and bakes into a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone loves. Add cream cheese frosting or nuts for extra flair, and enjoy a healthier twist on classic spice cake that stays fresh for days.

Applesauce Cake Recipe (Moist Old Fashioned Spice Cake) 6

Why Choose Applesauce Cake?

Applesauce replaces oil or butter in this recipe, creating exceptional moisture without greasiness while adding subtle fruit flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evokes nostalgic comfort, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Unlike denser quick breads, this cake rises light and fluffy thanks to baking powder and soda reacting with the applesauce’s acidity. It slices cleanly for potlucks and freezes beautifully for later.

Feature	Applesauce Cake	Banana Bread	Pumpkin Cake
Moisture Source	Applesauce	Bananas	Pumpkin
Best Spices	Cinnamon, Cloves	Nutmeg	Ginger
Prep Time	10 minutes	15 minutes	12 minutes
Calories/Slice	250	280	270

Ingredients

For the Cake (9×13 pan, 24 servings):

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegetable oil for dairy-free)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

For Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk

Substitutions:

Vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) and dairy-free butter.
Gluten-free: Swap for 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Healthier: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup total, use whole wheat flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in applesauce and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry mixture to wet, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Fold in walnuts or raisins if using.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Frost (Optional): Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, thinning with milk as needed. Spread over cooled cake.

Total time: 50 minutes.

![Step-by-step batter mixing for moist applesauce cake]

Recipe Variations

Healthy Applesauce Cake: Swap half the flour for whole wheat, use coconut sugar, and add 1/2 cup grated apple for extra moisture.
Brown Butter Maple Frosting: Brown 1/2 cup butter until nutty, cool, then mix with 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips with the add-ins.
Vegan 5-Ingredient: 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups applesauce, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix, bake as directed.

Variation	Key Swap	Bake Time
Healthy	Whole wheat + less sugar	35 min
Vegan	Flax eggs + oil	32 min
Frosted	Cream cheese topping	N/A

Tips for Perfect Results

Use thick, unsweetened applesauce for best texture; homemade or store-bought both work.
Room-temperature eggs and butter ensure even mixing and rise.
Test doneness early to avoid dry cake; spices intensify as it cools.
High altitude: Increase flour by 2 tbsp, reduce baking powder to 3/4 tsp.
Storage: Keep at room temp 2 days, fridge 5 days in airtight container, or freeze slices up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bring to room temp.

![Golden baked applesauce cake with frosting drizzle]

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for simple elegance. Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or spiced chai. For holidays, top with caramel sauce and extra nuts.

Portion into bars for bake sales or picnics. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce sugar by 1/4 cup to balance sweetness.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Likely overmixed batter or oven door opened too soon. Check with toothpick next time.

Gluten-free options?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if not included.

Best applesauce type?
Unsweetened chunky for texture, smooth for even crumb. Homemade from Granny Smith shines.

Dairy-free frosting?
Swap cream cheese for vegan version and butter for coconut oil.

Can I bake in rounds?
Yes, two 8-inch pans for 25-28 minutes. Perfect for layered cake.

Nut-free?
Omit walnuts or use seeds like sunflower.

Make ahead?
Bake and freeze unfrosted up to 2 months; frost after thawing.

Why applesauce in cake?
It adds moisture, tenderness, and cuts fat without compromising flavor.

Storage without fridge?
2 days max in cool, dry spot; frosting shortens shelf life.

High altitude tweaks?
See tips above; flour absorbs extra moisture.

Vegan egg subs?
Flax eggs or 1/2 cup more applesauce work great.

Mini muffins version?
Bake 18-22 minutes at 350°F for 36 muffins.

Add chocolate?
1 cup chips folded in or ganache drizzle.

Frosting too sweet?
Add 1/2 tsp lemon juice for tang.

Paleo-friendly?
Almond flour, coconut sugar, and maple syrup adapt well.

Enjoy this foolproof applesauce cake fresh from your oven. Rate 5 stars if it becomes your new favorite and share your tweaks below!