Moist Applesauce Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce cake infused with cinnamon and cloves, perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl.
- Add the applesauce, salad oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the nuts and raisins.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using homemade applesauce or adding vanilla extract to the batter. You can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. If you prefer, swap the nuts for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different texture. To make this a gluten-free cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
This moist applesauce cake is perfect as a standalone dessert, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moist Applesauce Cake contains roughly 536 calories, with 3g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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 store-bought applesauce for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it is unsweetened for the best results. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as cinnamon or spiced applesauce, for added depth.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg). Use a plant-based oil like coconut or canola oil, and ensure your applesauce is free from any animal products.
Can I freeze the applesauce cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature 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).