The Coziest Applesauce Cake Recipe for Autumn Sweetness

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about this nostalgic applesauce cake recipe waiting to become your new comfort dessert.

Warm spices whisper promises of cozy afternoons and delightful aromas filling every corner.

Soft crumbs promise a magical experience that connects generations through simple ingredients.

Baking becomes an intimate conversation between you and tradition, with each measured scoop telling a story.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their enchantment into every tender slice.

Moist and rich, this cake turns ordinary moments into cherished celebrations.

Let’s create something deliciously unforgettable that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Applesauce Cake That’s Spiced, Soft, And Perfect Anytime

• Quick Weeknight Baker's Delight: Whip up this applesauce cake with minimal effort and maximum flavor in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with raisins and pecans, this cake offers a nostalgic taste that appeals to kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Champion: Perfect for potlucks, afternoon tea, or casual family gatherings, this cake adapts to any occasion with its simple, homey charm.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels, even novice home cooks.

Applesauce Cake What Goes In

• Flour: Provides structure and bulk for the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds natural fruit flavor, opt for unsweetened.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement applesauce, use freshly ground if possible.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
• Raisins: Provides bursts of sweetness, use plump and soft varieties.
• Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, toast before adding for enhanced taste.

• Butter: Creates a rich brown butter base, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth texture and sweetness for frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve desired frosting consistency, whole milk recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall frosting flavor.

Applesauce Cake Preparation – Classic and Moist

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Eggs
• Applesauce
• Oil

Pour all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Start mixing at low speed until everything is just combined.

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Batter

Increase mixer speed to high.

Beat the batter until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Continue scraping the bowl’s sides during mixing.

Step 4: Add Texture

• Raisins
• Chopped pecans

Stir until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Test the cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

If it comes out clean, the cake is perfect.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 7: Craft Brown Butter Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir continuously until it turns a golden brown color.

This should take 4-6 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool entirely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

• Cooled brown butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat at medium speed.

Gradually add milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has cooled, spread the brown butter frosting evenly across the top.

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the frosting if desired.

Applesauce Cake Baking Tips That Keep It Moist

• Use room temperature applesauce to ensure even cake texture and prevent dense, heavy results.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the batter to intensify their rich, warm taste and boost overall aroma.
• Allow browned butter to cool completely before mixing frosting to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a personalized twist that adds unique flavor complexity.
• Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and keep fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Chill Applesauce Cake for Later

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the frosting fresh and texture moist.
• Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its soft consistency.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to restore its original softness.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.

Light Pairings for Applesauce Cake

• Brew Warm Cinnamon Tea: The spicy, aromatic tea complements the cake's sweet and nutty flavor profile, creating a comforting harmony that enhances every bite.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, spiced cake, balancing textures and temperatures for a sublime dessert experience.
• Match Caramel Latte: The rich, buttery notes of a caramel latte echo the browned butter frosting, while adding depth and warmth to the cake's overall taste sensation.
• Pour Crisp Apple Cider: A chilled apple cider brings out the fruity undertones of the applesauce, creating a delightful seasonal connection that celebrates the cake's core ingredient.

Applesauce Cake Ingredient Swaps

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute applesauce for eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free cake.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile, adding a unique crunch and depth to the classic applesauce cake.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or reduce sugar content, incorporating more spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without added calories.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this applesauce cake its unique moisture?

The applesauce acts as a natural moisture enhancer, replacing some of the oil or butter typically used in cakes. This ingredient not only adds moisture but also provides a subtle apple flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.

• Can I substitute different nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred. Just ensure you chop the nuts to a similar size to maintain the cake’s consistent texture and distribution of nut pieces throughout the batter.

• How does browning the butter impact the frosting's flavor?

Browning butter creates a rich, nutty flavor by caramelizing the milk solids. This technique transforms a basic frosting into a more complex, deeper-tasting topping with subtle toasted notes that complement the warm spices in the cake.

• Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe to cupcakes by adjusting the baking time to 18-22 minutes. Just ensure you fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and check doneness with a toothpick.

Applesauce Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade applesauce cake brings warmth from Grandma’s kitchen, blending nostalgic spices with sweet, tender crumb. Comfort meets simplicity in this classic dessert you’ll savor slice after delightful slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Additional Cake Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup golden raisins or raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and positioning the rack in the center.
2. Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine all cake ingredients, excluding raisins and pecans, using an electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gradually increase mixer speed to high, continuing to blend until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency, periodically pausing to scrape down the bowl’s sides.
4. Gently fold raisins and chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the cake batter into a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
7. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 1-2 hours.
8. For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, which typically takes 4-6 minutes.
9. Remove browned butter from heat and let it cool to room temperature, preventing further browning.
10. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cooled browned butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, blending with an electric mixer.
11. Gradually introduce milk, adjusting consistency until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously apply the frosting across the entire surface.
13. Optional: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the frosted cake for enhanced texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the cake’s texture by swapping unsweetened applesauce with homemade versions for a fresher, more intense apple flavor.
• Enhance moisture by replacing some oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream, creating a denser, richer cake.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crumb.
• Boost nutrition by adding ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter, increasing fiber and omega-3 content without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg