Applesauce Coffee Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce coffee cake with a cinnamon-spiced topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert. The marble cake base is complemented by a swirl of chocolate and cinnamon brown sugar topping, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Beat the cake mix (reserve marbling pieces), applesauce, water, oil, and eggs together.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of batter into a small bowl; add the marbling package and beat.
- Pour the yellow batter into the prepared pan.
- Drop mounds of the chocolate mixture on top of the batter and marble with a knife or skewer.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 33 to 38 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving. Serve with Cool Whip or additional applesauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using unsweetened applesauce and reducing the sugar. You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for added flavor. If you want a richer taste, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. To enhance the marbling, you can also include some chocolate chips in the batter. This cake pairs beautifully with Pecan-Butterscotch Coffee Cake for a delightful brunch spread.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce coffee cake is delicious on its own but can be served with a dollop of Cool Whip or a side of additional applesauce for extra moisture. For a delightful brunch, serve it alongside Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms. It also makes a great dessert paired with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for gatherings with friends or family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven set to 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Coffee Cake contains roughly 392 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create unique variations of this coffee cake. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg accordingly to complement the new mix.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the marble cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the applesauce and spices, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious cake without gluten.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the coffee cake for up to three months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).