Description
Craving something cozy, nostalgic, and effortlessly delicious? This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is your answer. Packed with warm spices, moist applesauce, and optional mix-ins like raisins or nuts, this easy recipe is perfect for everything from quick breakfast treats and afternoon snacks to fuss-free dessert ideas. With no frosting required and a dusting of powdered sugar on top, it’s the kind of cake that speaks to homemade comfort. Whether you’re on the hunt for fall baking inspiration or timeless food ideas, this cake delivers old-school flavor with modern ease.
Ingredients
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
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment paper if desired.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add applesauce and vanilla. Batter may look slightly curdled.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in raisins and chopped nuts if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use unsweetened applesauce for better control over sweetness.
Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
For added moisture, soak raisins in warm water before mixing them into the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, easy recipe, old-fashioned cake, fall dessert, quick breakfast, dessert ideas, cozy cakes, food ideas