Ingredients
– 1/2 cup applesauce (sweetened, unsweetened, or homemade)
– 1/2 cup water
– 3 tablespoons oil or additional applesauce for an oil-free option
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– 1 1/2 cups flour (white, spelt for whole grain, or oat for gluten-free)
– 1/3 cup sugar (unrefined coconut sugar, white, brown, or unrefined cane sugar; erythritol or xylitol may work)
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your applesauce cake bakes evenly and releases easily. Measure everything accurately to avoid any mishaps in this easy recipe.
2-First Step: Preheat and Prep Once your pan is ready, gather your ingredients in one spot. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, let the batter rest for a bit after mixing to help with texture.
3-Second and Third Steps: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the liquid ingredients: applesauce, water, oil or extra applesauce, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. This creates the base that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
4-Second and Third Steps: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Then, in the same bowl, stir in the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and any optional allspice or add-ins. Mix until you get a smooth batter, which takes just a minute or two.
5-Fourth to Sixth Steps: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven on the center rack and bake for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6-Fourth to Sixth Steps: Bake the Cake The cake will be fluffy and ready to cool on a rack. Remember, it tastes even better the next day, so patience pays off here.
7-Seventh and Eighth Steps: Cool and Store Let the cake cool completely before adding any toppings. For storage, keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze slices for up to a month.
8-Seventh and Eighth Steps: Cool and Store This step-by-step process makes baking applesauce cake a breeze, perfect for working professionals or newlyweds hosting a quick dessert.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍰 Top with powdered sugar, simple glaze, melted chocolate, cream cheese frosting, or dairy-free ice cream for extra indulgence.
🌾 Adapt flour type to dietary needs: spelt for whole grain or oat for gluten-free; avoid whole wheat flour.
🌰 Add nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
