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Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake
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Irresistibly Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake Recipe

This Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a comforting dessert that combines sweet nostalgia and simple pantry staples.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Cooling Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Applesauce Cake, baking, Comfort Food, Dessert Recipes, Easy Recipes, Moist Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake
Servings: 9 slices
Calories: 210kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • rubber spatula
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce can substitute with homemade applesauce or mashed bananas
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour swap with gluten-free flour for gluten-free
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar reduce slightly for less sweet
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda ensure it's fresh
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon freshly grated for the best flavor
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves adjust according to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg adjust according to taste
  • 1 large Large Egg can replace with a flax egg
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil can use melted coconut oil or additional applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 0.5 cup Raisins can soak in warm water or apple juice
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Walnuts omit for nut-free

Instructions

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and optionally line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well mixed.
  • Beat the egg lightly in a separate large bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Fold in the dry ingredients gently using a rubber spatula. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing for a tender crumb!
  • Gently add the optional raisins and walnuts, folding them into the batter until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with the spatula for a lovely, even finish.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean!
  • Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if you like a touch of sweetness on top.
  • Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Notes

For best results, always use fresh ingredients and avoid overmixing to maintain cake's moisture and softness.