Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

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Richly spiced, tender, and loaded with old-school charm, this Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a cozy classic that brings warmth to every bite. The sweet tang of applesauce blends seamlessly with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a soft, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Studded with raisins and optionally chopped nuts, this cake is like autumn wrapped in a square of sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off with a nostalgic flair.

This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a moment. Whether served as an afternoon snack with coffee, a comforting finish to a holiday meal, or a humble centerpiece for a potluck table, Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake evokes memories of home, hearth, and family recipes passed down through generations. It’s easy to make, requires no frosting, and tastes even better the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

• Perfectly moist with every bite thanks to applesauce
• Warm, cozy spice flavor that feels like a hug
• Simple to make with pantry staples
• No frosting required—just a sprinkle of powdered sugar
• Tastes even better the next day
• Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert
• A crowd-pleaser with nostalgic appeal

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, gather the following essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium) – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk and rubber spatula – The whisk helps to evenly incorporate spices and leavening agents, while the spatula ensures you scrape every bit of batter from the bowl.
• Hand or stand mixer (optional) – Great for creaming butter and sugar if using a traditional butter base.
• 9×13-inch baking pan – The perfect size for an even, soft bake.
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer – Useful for a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Each tool plays its part in achieving that iconic soft and spiced texture, ensuring a cake that’s beautifully uniform and utterly delicious.

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Preparation Tips

To get the best results with your Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake, use unsweetened applesauce for more control over the cake’s sweetness. Let all your ingredients come to room temperature—this helps them mix more easily and creates a smoother batter. Don’t overmix once the flour goes in; just stir until the batter is combined to avoid a dense cake. If using raisins, soak them in warm water or juice for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding—this prevents them from drying out the cake. Finally, make sure to cool the cake completely before dusting with powdered sugar, so it doesn’t melt into the top.

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Ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins (optional, but traditional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. For extra ease in removal, line the bottom with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this spiced mixture aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step helps build the cake’s tender structure and sweet base.

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Step 4: Add the Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The batter will appear slightly separated but will come together once the dry ingredients are added.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

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Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Nuts (Optional)

If using raisins and/or nuts, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Raisins can be soaked and drained beforehand to prevent them from drying out the cake.

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Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Step 8: Cool and Dust

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve!

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Notes

Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is a naturally moist and flavorful dessert that only improves with time. For deeper flavor, make the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. This cake is flexible—raisins, nuts, or even mini chocolate chips can be added depending on personal preference. It’s excellent with morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a rustic dessert after dinner.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense or rubbery cake texture. Stir only until the flour disappears.
• Using sweetened applesauce: This can throw off the sugar balance and make the cake overly sweet. Always opt for unsweetened applesauce.
• Skipping the spice measurement: Eyeballing spices can result in an imbalance. Use measuring spoons for accuracy.
• Undercooking: Always check with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out wet, bake a few minutes longer.
• Dusting while warm: Powdered sugar melts if applied too soon. Let the cake cool completely before dusting.

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Storage Instructions

To store the Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag; thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of applesauce should I use?

Use unsweetened applesauce for the best texture and sweetness balance.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Using 100% may result in a denser cake.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor deepens after resting overnight. It’s even better the next day.

What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes, bake the batter in lined muffin tins at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes.

What if I don’t have raisins or nuts?

You can leave them out entirely or replace with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips.

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Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake delivers all the comfort of a homemade dessert with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its warm spices, moist crumb, and ease of preparation make it a timeless recipe worthy of rotation in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy gathering or just to treat yourself, this cake captures the heart of home baking in every bite.

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