Name: Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Have you ever tasted a cake so moist and warmly spiced it instantly takes you back to grandma’s kitchen? The kind that fills your home with cozy autumn aromas, even if it’s the middle of spring? That’s what this Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake delivers—a nostalgic, rustic dessert packed with apple goodness, brown sugar richness, and a velvety caramel glaze that brings it all together.

This cake is a treasure trove of textures and flavors—soft crumb, hints of cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and a buttery glaze that sinks into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a Sunday potluck, or simply craving a homespun treat, this cake is timeless, unfussy, and crowd-pleasing.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this cozy cake to life, you’ll want a few basic tools that help you get that perfectly moist texture and even bake:

Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium) — Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before uniting them into one smooth batter.
Electric Mixer or Whisk — A mixer gives a fluffier texture, but a sturdy whisk will do the trick for a more rustic finish.
Spatula — Crucial for scraping down sides and ensuring every bit of applesauce and spice is folded in.
9×13-Inch Baking Pan — Provides the best surface area for even baking and easy serving.
Saucepan — Needed for melting down the luscious caramel glaze that gets poured over the cake.
Wire Rack — Lets your cake cool properly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients for the Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a distinct role in crafting its nostalgic flavor and unmatched moistness:

Unsweetened Applesauce — The star of the show. It adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a deep apple flavor that defines the cake.
All-Purpose Flour — Gives the cake structure while staying tender.
Brown Sugar — Adds a rich, molasses-like depth and enhances the cake’s softness.
Granulated Sugar — Balances the brown sugar and keeps the sweetness just right.
Vegetable Oil — Ensures a moist crumb throughout and makes the cake stay fresh longer.
Eggs — Provide lift and help bind everything together.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder — Both leavening agents work together to give the cake its lightness.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves — A warming spice trio that makes the flavor profile deeply comforting.
Vanilla Extract — A subtle aromatic that rounds out the sweetness.
Salt — Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Chopped Walnuts (optional) — Add crunch and a nutty contrast to the tender crumb.

How To Make the Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and light in color. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. While it cools, make your caramel glaze in a saucepan (butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla simmered to a pourable consistency). Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake and let it set.

How to Serve and Store This Cozy Applesauce Cake

This cake is a crowd-pleaser straight from the pan, but you can elevate it even more:

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Top with extra walnuts or a drizzle of caramel for added crunch and sweetness.
It makes a lovely brunch table addition or an after-dinner comfort treat.

For storage:

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
It stays moist and tender for up to 4 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just wait to add the glaze until you’re ready to serve.

What kind of applesauce should I use?

Go for unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness. Chunky or smooth both work, depending on your texture preference.

Can I make this without the glaze?

Yes! The cake is flavorful enough on its own. The glaze just adds a buttery finish, but it’s optional.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It gives a heartier texture without compromising moisture.

Are there substitutions for the eggs?

Yes, flax eggs or unsweetened yogurt can be used in place of eggs for a more plant-based version.

What nuts pair best with this cake?

Walnuts are classic, but pecans also work beautifully for a slightly sweeter, softer crunch.

Want More Comforting Cake Ideas?

If you love the warmth of this Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake, you’ll probably enjoy a few more cozy slices from LadyPlate:

The Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake offers a spiced, buttery crumb topping with tender apple chunks baked into every bite. Or try the Apple Enchiladas – A Sweet and Comforting Treat for a tortilla-wrapped twist on apple desserts.

Craving something more decadent? The Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake brings the same caramel drizzle energy but with a tropical nutty vibe. And for even easier options, the 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake delivers fruit-based sweetness with hardly any effort.

Need something to pair with tea or brunch? Cinnamon Donut Bread might just become your new favorite go-to.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your dessert board for easy access next time—just hit that Pin button.

Tried it? I’d love to know how your version came out. Did you go heavy on the glaze? Add raisins or change up the spices? Leave a comment below and share your twist!

For even more rustic bakes and cozy cakes, visit my daily recipes collection on Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest