Description
This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert that’s rich in flavor, moist in texture, and delightfully simple to bake. Made with unsweetened applesauce, warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a soft, tender crumb, it’s a nostalgic favorite perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting slice. Great for quick breakfast ideas, tea time treats, or easy dessert recipes, this cake brings classic charm to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins or currants
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and beat well.
5. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts, if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
You can substitute raisins with chopped dates or dried cranberries for a twist.
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a flax egg.
Letting the cake sit overnight improves the flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: old-fashioned cake, applesauce dessert, easy fall baking, cozy cake, breakfast cake