Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

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There’s something timeless about a slice of Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake. It’s soft, warmly spiced, and filled with deep autumn flavors that wrap you in nostalgia. Whether served plain with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside a cup of hot coffee, this cake offers the perfect blend of comfort and tradition.

What makes this applesauce cake truly exceptional is its moist crumb and the subtle richness brought by brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Thanks to the applesauce, the texture stays incredibly tender without the need for extra butter or oil, making it a cozy treat you’ll want to enjoy all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

This cake is simple to make, incredibly moist, and perfect for any time of day—from brunch to dessert. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, bakes in one pan, and keeps well for days. Plus, the applesauce keeps it naturally sweet, so it’s not overly sugary.

What Kind of Applesauce Should I Use?

Use unsweetened applesauce to have better control over the cake’s sweetness. Homemade or store-bought both work well. If you enjoy a chunkier texture, rustic-style applesauce with small apple bits can add a lovely bite.

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Ingredients for the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a comforting role. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
• Baking soda: Provides the leavening, helping the cake rise properly.
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Warm, fragrant spices that are signature to applesauce cakes.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with structure.
• Brown sugar: For sweetness and a slight molasses depth.
• Egg: Binds everything together.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient; it gives moisture and subtle apple flavor.
• Vanilla extract: For a comforting aroma and flavor.
• Raisins or chopped dates (optional): Adds chewy sweetness and texture.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For nutty crunch and depth.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A simple and elegant finish.

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How To Make the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in 1 large egg, followed by 1 and 1/4 cups of unsweetened applesauce and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/2 cup of raisins or dates if using.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.

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How to Serve and Store Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

This recipe yields 9 generous squares and serves about 8 to 10 people.

Serve this cake slightly warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake?

H3: Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche

A dollop on top balances the spices with creamy richness.

H3: Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic and simple—it melts into the warm cake beautifully.

H3: Apple Cider Glaze

Drizzle a simple glaze made from apple cider and powdered sugar for extra fall flavor.

H3: Caramel Sauce

For a decadent finish, drizzle some warm caramel sauce.

H3: Chai or Spiced Tea

Let the spices in the tea enhance the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake.

H3: Cheese Platter

Serve as a sweet bite at the end of a cheese board.

H3: Roasted Apples

Caramelized apple slices pair beautifully with the cake’s flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat. It will make the cake a bit denser but still delicious.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Use granulated sugar and add 1 tablespoon of molasses to mimic the brown sugar flavor.

Can I add fresh apples to the batter?
Yes, fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples along with the nuts and raisins.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for a quick warm-up.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try nuts, raisins, or both? Maybe even a caramel drizzle?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a celebration of simplicity and comfort. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or just need a cozy afternoon snack, this cake always delivers.

For more dessert inspiration, check out our Pinterest board at Meals We Share.

You may also love our Coffee Cake Muffins with Cinnamon Swirl, Fruit Tart with Glossy Glaze, and Peach Raspberry Macarons.

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