Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is a quick and easy dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, this cake is naturally sweetened with applesauce and can be enhanced with optional raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut. Baked to perfection in just 18 minutes, it’s a delightful treat that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp oil (or additional applesauce)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour (white, spelt, or oat)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil (or additional applesauce), vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and optional allspice to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined to form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently fold in raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease or line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place it on the center rack of the oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Frost as desired or enjoy plain. Note that the cake’s flavors deepen and sweetness intensifies if allowed to rest overnight.
Notes
- The cake tastes even sweeter and more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for preparing ahead.
- You can substitute the flour with white, spelt, or oat flour depending on dietary preferences.
- Using applesauce and oil keeps the cake moist without the need for butter or eggs.
- Optional add-ins like raisins, walnuts, or coconut add texture and variation in flavor.
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain moisture; baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
