Applesauce Cake
Whip up this applesauce cake for a quick and easy fall dessert this week. It's an easy applesauce cake recipe that has warm spices, walnuts, and raisins in each decadent bite. It's dusted with powdered sugar and makes the perfect fall snack cake! Check out more cake recipes too.
Want more cake recipes to check out? Pineapple angel food cake, vanilla wacky cake, or this banana cake with cake mix.
This applesauce raisin cake is one of my favorites. Plus it is a homemade cake that is crazy simple to mix together. It's time to raid your pantry and get to baking!
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The Ingredients You'll Need
This cake is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients plus a couple extra add-ins that make a great addition to this cake.
- butter - for this recipe I used salted butter. If you are using unsalted butter, you'll want to add ½ teaspoon of salt.
- sugar - I used all granulated (white) sugar, but you can substitute ¼ cup of the granulated sugar for light brown sugar for an extra pop of fall flavor.
- applesauce - Sweetened applesauce is a must for this recipe. You can use original or cinnamon.
- flour - I tested this recipe with all-purpose flour so I know that works great. I haven't tried self-rising flour or cake flour so I can't for certain if they'll work or not.
- baking soda - the leavening agent that helps keep the cake from being too dense.
- spices - I used ground cinnamon and ground cloves to bring on that fall flavor that pairs so well with apples.
- raisins & walnuts - these are the add-ins that I threw in for the applesauce cake. If you can find cinnamon chips, they would be delicious too.
- powdered sugar - This adds just a little extra sweetness and makes the cake look complete. It will also dissolve if the cake is too warm when the powdered sugar is added.
How to Make Applesauce Cake
Grease your pan and get it set to the side. Then you will start whipping your butter and sugar until it's combined.
Next you will mix in your applesauce followed by the dry ingredients.
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Then at the end you need to fold in the raisins and the nuts.
Spread the batter into your pan and bake the cake in the oven until it is done. You can stick a toothpick into the cake and make sure the toothpick comes out clean.
How To Know When Applesauce Cake is Done
Grab a toothpick and stick in the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, then you know it is done. Also, you will see the cake pull away from the edges slightly, and will be firm to the touch.
Ways To Serve Up This Cake Made with Applesauce
You can dust the cake with powdered sugar, make a powdered sugar glaze and drizzle over the top, or nibble on it plain. Another option is drizzling some caramel sauce on it.
I love the warm spices paired with the sweet apple flavor. This is such a versatile cake, feel free to dress it up however you like.
How to Store this Cake
Place the cooled cake in an airtight container or a covered dish. You can either store it at room temperature or in the fridge.
Storing the cake in the fridge is a good option because it will ensure that your cake stays fresh the longest and will help keep it moist. You can store it on the counter for 2-3 days or in the fridge for 3-5 days.
If you prefer to eat it at room temperature you can allow it to warm up.
Another option is to place a slice of this applesauce raisin cake in the microwave to reheat it for a fresh out of the oven warmth and top with some vanilla ice cream.
How to Freeze Applesauce Cake
Allow your cake to fully cool and then you can slice the cake. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Don't add the powdered sugar as it will just melt once it thaws.
If you plan to stack the slices of cake, you will want to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Your slices will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw the cake, set a slice of the cake out at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
You Might Enjoy These Apple Desserts
- Apple Fritter Cake | You can get the flavors of an apple fritter but in cake form. Whip this up and let me know what you think of this delicious warmed spice.
- Peanut Butter Apple Crumble | This isn't your regular apple crumble. It has gooey peanut butter baked inside with the apples and mixed into the crumble topping.
- Red Hot Applesauce | Here is one fun recipe that you can make red hot applesauce. Warm cinnamon with sweet apples.
- Baked Apples | These baked apples are stuffed with a cinnamon, sugar, and walnut mixture and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Instant Pot Applesauce | Skip store-bought and make your own applesauce! The pressure cooker is a fantastic way to speed up the process.
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup raisins optional
- ½ cup walnuts optional
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Add the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until creamed.
- Add the applesauce and beat until incorporated.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat on medium just until combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread out evenly with an offset spatula.
- Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with crumbs.
- Let cool completely at room temperature.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with the powdered sugar. Cut and serve!
Nutrition
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
I only have unsweetened applesauce. Can I use this?
Yes, unsweetened will work!