There’s something utterly cozy about this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe — it’s packed with warm spices and juicy apples, creating a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a slice that tastes like fall wrapped in every bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of this cake because it’s both flavorful and foolproof. Every time I bake it, the whole kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma, and it gets devoured faster than I expect. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that feels special but is really easy to throw together on any given day.
- Double apple magic: Using both applesauce and fresh grated apples keeps the cake moist and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
- Warm spiced goodness: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend perfectly to create that cozy spice profile everyone loves.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Versatile serving options: Whether you top it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or your favorite syrup, it always feels like a treat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances moisture and flavor beautifully, thanks to the pairing of applesauce and grated apples plus the blend of warm spices. Here’s a little about why each ingredient plays its part and some tips on picking the best ones for your cake.
- Butter: Using softened butter helps create that tender crumb and richness in texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake perfectly and helps with browning in the oven.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better, helping your batter stay smooth and rise evenly.
- Applesauce: I prefer unsweetened to keep control over the sweetness — it adds natural moisture without making the cake soggy.
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-to for a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors and firm texture.
- Flour: All-purpose works great, but gluten-free flour can also be used to make this cake allergy-friendly.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These warm spices create that signature apple spice cake aroma and taste.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Combined, these leaveners ensure a light but substantial rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Make It Your Way
I love switching up this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize it; it’s forgiving and adaptable.
- Nutty Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch — it adds such a lovely texture contrast.
- Spice it Up or Tone it Down: Play with the spice ratios based on your preference. If you want it milder, reduce the cloves; for more warmth, add extra cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free Twist: I've swapped the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and it turned out beautifully moist and tender.
- Sweetness Level: Using unsweetened applesauce lets you control the sugar better — you can lower the sugar slightly if you want a less sweet cake.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). I like using a 9x13” metal pan because it bakes evenly and gives the cake beautiful edges. Butter the pan well or spray it with baking spray. If you’d rather keep cleanup easy, lining it with parchment paper works just as well.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. I find that whisking these together first helps distribute the spices evenly, so your cake has a consistent flavor throughout — no surprises with a clump of cinnamon here or there!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large bowl or your mixer’s bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting a light texture — the mixture should become pale and fluffy. If your butter isn’t soft enough, your cake can turn out dense, so plan ahead to let it come to room temperature.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Applesauce
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, stir in the applesauce. This helps keep the cake moist and adds natural sweetness, which is what makes this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe so unique.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Fresh Apples
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined — don’t overmix! Then fold in the grated or finely diced apples evenly. I love this part because those tender apple bits give the cake extra bursts of juicy flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, but start checking around 35 — you want a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. The cake will turn a lovely deep brown; if the top is darkening too fast, tent it loosely with foil towards the end.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool on a wire rack to avoid sogginess from steam. When it’s cooled, slice and serve with buttermilk syrup, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I’m also partial to whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a richer finish. However you serve it, this cake feels like a warm hug.
Top Tip
Having baked this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe many times, I’ve realized a few tricks that really elevate the final outcome and make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
- Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose their potency over time; fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make a noticeable difference in flavor intensity.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour mixture, stir gently until just combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
- Choose the right apples: Apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith add a nice tartness and texture without turning mushy.
- Watch the bake time: Oven temperatures vary; check your cake early to avoid overbaking and drying out the tender crumb.
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple but effective — a dollop of freshly whipped cream with a light sprinkle of cinnamon is my favorite. Sometimes I let a little caramel drizzle on top for a sweet, luxurious touch, especially when serving this cake as a dessert for friends.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a strong black coffee. If serving brunch-style, I like adding fresh fruit like sliced pears or pomegranate seeds to the table for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake like a tiramisu with whipped cream between slices for a fancy breakfast treat. I also once served it as mini cupcakes, adjusting baking time, perfect for parties or a festive dessert tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. I find chilling intensifies the spice flavors even more!
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil — they thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge and taste freshly baked when reheated gently. Freezing is a great way to have this cozy cake ready for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To revive leftover cake, I warm individual slices for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings out the spices and softens the cake without drying it out.
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