Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

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There’s a reason some recipes never go out of style—and this Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a cozy classic that brings warmth and nostalgia in every bite. It’s the kind of cake you picture cooling on a windowsill on a crisp fall day, the scent of cinnamon and cloves filling the kitchen.

With a tender, moist crumb and rich flavor from warm spices, raisins, and of course, applesauce, this cake is pure comfort. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, it’s an easy, timeless dessert that’s just as perfect for everyday baking as it is for holiday tables.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. This cake doesn’t need fancy frosting or decoration to shine. The applesauce makes it incredibly moist, while the brown sugar and spices give it a deep, comforting taste. It’s the ideal recipe for using up leftover applesauce and makes a wonderful treat with tea or coffee.

Plus, it stays fresh for days—actually getting better with time as the flavors meld. Make it once, and it’ll become one of your go-to baking favorites.

What Kind of Applesauce Should I Use?

For best results, use unsweetened applesauce. This lets you control the sweetness of the cake and keeps the texture balanced. Homemade applesauce is always a plus if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly fine too. If you only have sweetened applesauce, reduce the sugar slightly in the recipe to keep it from being too sweet.

Chunky or smooth both work, depending on the texture you prefer in the final bake—smooth gives a uniform crumb, while chunky adds little bursts of apple throughout the cake.

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Ingredients for the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Every ingredient here adds moisture, warmth, or richness to this delightfully spiced cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cake while keeping the crumb soft.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These warm spices bring that classic fall aroma and deep flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the cake a moist texture and caramel-like flavor.
• Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: The star of the recipe! It adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm, sweet flavors.
• Raisins or Currants: Add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness.

How To Make the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well.

Step 4: Combine with Applesauce

Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Extras

Gently fold in the raisins and chopped nuts, if using.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.

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Serving and Storing the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

This cozy cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar or top with a light glaze if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a spiced chai latte.

This recipe yields about 9 squares when cut from an 8×8-inch pan, making it ideal for a family dessert or a small gathering.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just wrap well and thaw before serving.

What to Serve With Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla adds a beautiful contrast to the warm spice flavors.

2. Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over the top for a decadent touch that complements the apple and spice notes.

3. Whipped Cream

Light and airy, whipped cream balances the dense, moist crumb of the cake.

4. Masala Chai or Spiced Tea

The warming spices in the tea echo those in the cake for a comforting combo.

5. Apple Cider

Serve cold or hot—apple cider brings out the fruity undertones of the cake.

6. Cheddar Cheese

A slice of sharp cheddar is a surprising but traditional pairing that works especially well with apple-based baked goods.

7. Yogurt or Greek Yogurt

A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt makes this cake a suitable option for a spiced breakfast treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, mashed banana, or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

2. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but reduce the brown sugar by about 1/4 cup to keep the cake from being overly sweet.

3. What’s the best way to make this cake gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. It should work as a direct replacement for all-purpose flour.

4. How do I prevent the raisins from sinking?
Toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended during baking.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, the flavor improves the next day. Store it tightly covered once cooled.

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 go with raisins or nuts—or both? Maybe you topped it with a glaze?
I love hearing your twists and tips. Let’s bake better together!

Check out more sweet, comforting bakes on my Pinterest: Life With Livia Pinterest

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a tried-and-true gem—moist, warmly spiced, and wonderfully simple. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from the oven. Whether you’re baking for guests or just want something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe delivers every time.

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