Description
This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a nostalgic, spice-filled dessert made with pantry staples. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and the option of raisins and walnuts for added texture. Ideal with coffee or as a rustic holiday treat, this cake is quick to whip up and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and optionally line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg lightly. Stir in brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. If using, fold in raisins and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm water or apple juice for 10 minutes before folding into the batter.
Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature, especially for older ovens.
This cake also pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting if you’re in the mood for something richer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg