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Easy Applesauce Cake Recipe – Moist & Chef-Approved

  • 4.9 from 4868 votes |
  • By: Recipes Awards |
  • Updated: Nov 2025
Easy Applesauce Cake Recipe – Moist & Chef-Approved
Prep: 10min Cook: 40min Serves: 10

After testing countless easy applesauce cake recipes, we finally found a winner — and it's hands-down the best of the year! Made in just one bowl and one pan, it’s incredibly easy to whip up.

Topped with a rich browned butter frosting (optional but divine), this old fashioned applesauce cake is easy to make, quick to clean up, and absolutely irresistible.

If you enjoy classic apple desserts, you might also love our Apple Crumble — a warm, buttery treat topped with golden streusel — or the timeless Apple Pie, perfect for cozy weekends.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert — this old-fashioned recipe is the cozy treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

Jump to Recipe

What Makes This Recipe So Special

  • Rich, Spiced Flavor – Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Incredibly Moist – Thanks to the applesauce, every bite is soft and tender.
  • One-Bowl Wonder – Minimal cleanup with just one bowl and one pan.
  • Irresistible Frosting – The browned butter frosting takes it to another level.
  • Foolproof – Tested over and over until it came out just right every time. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

  •   1/2 Cup Butter
  •   1 Cup White Sugar
  •   1 Cup Chilled Applesauce
  •   2 Cups All-purpose Flour
  •   1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  •   1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  •   1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  •   1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
  •   1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
  •   1/2 Cup Raisins



How To Make Applesauce Cake - Step-by-Step

  1. Prep Your Pan & Start the Batter

    Prep Your Pan & Start the Batter

    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch pan and line the base with a round of parchment paper .

    In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the applesauce and whisk until fully combined. This batter comes together in minutes.

  2. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

    Mixing dry ingredients into applesauce cake batter

    Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the bowl, and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins. The warm spices make this easy applesauce cake recipe incredibly aromatic.

  3. Pour and Prep for Baking

    Pouring applesauce cake batter into a greased square baking pan

    Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch pan , spreading it out evenly with a spatula . This recipe bakes evenly and stays moist for days.

  4. Bake, Serve & Store

    Golden baked applesauce cake cooling on a wire rack

    Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bake cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature — plain, with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil before placing it in the freezer.

    💡 When you're ready to enjoy it again, defrost the bake, prepare a batch of cream cheese frosting, and frost before serving.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cake

  • ✔ This recipe is lightly sweet with a cozy spice blend — perfect for those who don’t like overly sugary desserts.
  • ✔ Want it sweeter? Just increase the sugar to 1¼ cups for a more indulgent version.
  • ✔ A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey is all it needs to shine. No heavy frosting required!
  • ✔ Applesauce is the star here — about 1 cup keeps this bake extra moist with a subtle apple flavor in every bite.
  • ✔ For a healthier treat, be sure to use unsweetened applesauce without corn syrup or added sugars.
  • ✔ Raisins and chopped nuts are totally optional — feel free to mix them in or leave them out based on your taste. If you’re in the mood to explore other comforting bakes, try a southern-inspired Peach Cobbler or the classic Pecan Pie for rich, nutty indulgence.
  • ✔ Serve warm or at room temperature. Either way, this bake is a cozy treat you’ll want to make again and again.

🍽 Perfect Pairings

  • ☕ Hot Coffee or Chai Tea: The cozy spices in this bake go perfectly with a warm mug of coffee or a spiced chai latte.
  • 🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla makes this simple bake feel like a decadent dessert.
  • 🍮 Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little over each slice for an indulgent finish.
  • 🍰 Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A fluffy, simple topping that keeps things balanced and elegant.
  • 🥤 Apple Cider: For the ultimate fall combo, enjoy a slice with a glass of warm or chilled apple cider.

For those who want to turn this goodie into a complete dessert table, pair it alongside crowd-pleasers like our retro Pineapple Upside Down Cake or a fun, no-bake Oreo Truffles recipe.

These treats balance the warm spices of the easy applesauce cake recipe with fruity brightness or creamy chocolate decadence.


📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)

Note: Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information
Calories 267
Protein 4g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fat 11g
Saturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 161mg
Fiber 2g
Sugar 22g


❤️ Why This Easy Applesauce Cake Recipe Works

  • ✔ Soft, moist, and full of cozy cinnamon spice — a classic comfort treat!
  • ✔ Tastes amazing on its own or topped with whipped cream, honey, or ice cream.
  • ✔ Made with real applesauce for extra moisture and natural apple flavor.
  • ✔ Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert with coffee or tea.
  • ✔ Simple ingredients and one bowl — this old-fashioned bake comes together in minutes.
  • ✔ Passed-down family favorite that bakes up golden and irresistible every time.

Robin

Robin Foster

Chef
"This goodie has been in my family for years. It’s warm, nostalgic, and always hits the spot — whether I’m baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet and simple. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to recipe too."

🍰 Popular Variations

☕ Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe

Applesauce coffee cake with crumbly streusel topping

Turn your classic apple dessert into a cozy breakfast treat by layering a cinnamon-sugar crumble on top. This applesauce coffee cake is soft, spiced, and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.

💡 Tip: Add a simple vanilla glaze on top after baking for extra sweetness and coffee shop vibes.


🍫 Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe

Chocolate applesauce cake topped with rich chocolate ganache

Looking for something richer? This chocolate apple cake is ultra-moist and deeply chocolatey, thanks to the applesauce. It’s a great way to enjoy a fudgy cake with less fat and no butter!

💡 Try adding mini chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect finish.

If you’re looking for something more whimsical, you could serve slices of this goodies with fair-inspired Funnel Cake on the side — perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend treats.

For layered dessert fans, our Dirt Cake offers a creamy, cookie-filled surprise that pairs beautifully with spiced cakes.



Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  • 🚫 Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much after adding the dry ingredients can make the cake dense or tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
  • 🚫 Using sweetened applesauce: This can make the cake overly sweet and unbalanced. Always use unsweetened applesauce for better control.
  • 🚫 Skipping the parchment paper : Because the cake is very moist, it may stick. Grease well and line the pan bottom for easy removal.
  • 🚫 Not adjusting for watery applesauce: If your applesauce is very thin, reduce other liquids slightly or extend bake time.
  • 🚫 Wrong pan size : A pan that’s too small or large affects texture and baking time. Use an 8-inch round or square pan as recommended.
  • 🚫 Expecting a strong apple flavor: Applesauce gives subtle flavor and moisture. For a bolder apple taste, add chopped apples or apple pie spice.


Reviews from Social Media

Emily

Emily T.

Pinterest User
"This apple cake came out so soft and moist! I used unsweetened applesauce like you suggested and added a handful of chopped pecans. Definitely saving this one!"
Liam

Liam R.

Instagram User
"Mine took a little longer to bake (about 45 minutes), but it was worth it. Next time I’ll try it with the crumble topping. So good!"
Sophia

Sophia M.

Facebook User
"I was nervous to bake from scratch but your step-by-step instructions made it so easy. The texture is perfect and my family couldn’t believe it was homemade!"
Sophia

Jackson P.

Twitter/X User
"Just baked this recipe for my coworkers — it disappeared in minutes. Everyone’s asking for the recipe link!"
Sophia

Ava L.

TikTok User
"Saw someone make this cake on TikTok and had to try it myself. The browned butter frosting is pure magic!"

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make easy applesauce cake from scratch?

✔ It’s super simple! Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then mix and dry ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 350°F until golden and set. This recipe only needs one bowl and one pan — perfect for an easy, no-fuss dessert.

What does applesauce do in this cake?

✔ Keeps the cake extra moist while adding a subtle apple flavor. It also reduces the need for oil or butter, making the cake lighter without sacrificing texture.

Can I taste the applesauce in the cake?

✔ Just a little! The apple flavor is subtle and blends beautifully with the warm spices — it’s not overpowering at all.

How should I store the cake?

✔ Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months — just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?

✔ Definitely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep it wheat-free. For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

Can I substitute oil or butter with applesauce in other cakes?

✔ Yes, it can replace up to half the oil in many cake recipes. It adds moisture while cutting fat. Just be careful with cakes that rely on creaming butter, as that affects the texture and rise.


Ready to Bake?

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dessert that everyone will love, this easy applesauce cake recipe is it. Whether you’re baking for a fall get-together, a quick weekday treat, or simply craving something sweet and spiced, this recipe delivers every time.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram @realjojorecipes — we love seeing your kitchen creations!

And if you’re planning a full menu, be sure to check out our Breakfast Ideas for morning-friendly recipes or our collection of Easy Desserts for quick, crowd-pleasing sweets you can whip up any day of the week.

Save this recipe for later and share it with friends who love easy, homemade comfort food. Happy baking! 🍰🍎

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