When I think of warm gatherings, I often picture a sweet slice of cake paired with a steaming cup of tea. I can almost hear the kitchen buzzing with laughter while a delicious smell wafts through the air. One cake that never fails to bring joy to my table is applesauce cake. It’s a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
Imagine serving slices of moist applesauce cake at a family gathering where everyone comes together. It fits right in with savory dishes like roasted chicken or a fresh salad. But let's be real; I can’t resist a slice on its own. The texture, the spices, that hint of sweetness—it’s pure comfort food.
Applesauce cake is a wonderfully moist dessert made primarily with applesauce. This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also contributes to a tender crumb.
The blend of spices, like cinnamon, along with a touch of vinegar, creates a lovely flavor profile that’s both comforting and nostalgic. This cake is versatile; it can be dressed up with frosting or enjoyed warm and plain right out of the oven.
Before diving into the baking, let’s gather what you need. This applesauce cake is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely to be found in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll require:
1 tablespoon maple syrup: For a depth of flavor.
1/3 cup organic cane sugar: Adds sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon orange zest: Brightens the cake.
3 tablespoons light olive oil: Keeps the cake moist. You could swap this for extra applesauce if you want it oil-free.
1/2 cup filtered water: Helps to combine all ingredients.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang.
2 teaspoons real vanilla extract: For depth.
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: The star of the show.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose, spelt, or oat flour: Your choice for a base.
3/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Additional leavening.
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives warmth.
Optional:
Baking this cake is as rewarding as eating it. The aroma of spices fills your kitchen while it bakes, bringing a smile to your face before you even take a bite. In just a few steps, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to have your oven ready for an even bake. While that’s warming up, you can prepare the batter and get everything mixed up.
Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with a bit of olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This makes sure the cake comes out easily after baking. You wouldn’t want to lose any of that deliciousness, would you?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, maple syrup, cane sugar, olive oil, filtered water, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until fully combined. You want a smooth mixture with a slight hint of sweetness and tang from the vinegar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any optional spices you choose. It’s important to mix these so that the leavening agents act evenly throughout the cake. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mixture, folding them gently together. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; we’re not trying to make a meringue here.
If you want to play with textures and flavors, fold in your optional ingredients; think about adding raisins for sweetness, chopped walnuts for crunch, or coconut for a tropical twist. This adds a unique touch to the cake.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy!
1. Powdered Sugar Topping: For a touch of sweetness without fuss, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Experiment with Flours: Feel free to try spelt or oat flour for a healthier approach.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, add more cane sugar or maple syrup to your batter.
4. Storage: This cake stays moist for days; cover it well to keep it fresh.
5. Serving Warm: Enjoy a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure happiness in every bite.
Store any leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Freezing works too—just wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Unwrap and let them thaw at room temperature when you want to enjoy a slice again.
Each slice of applesauce cake is packed with comforting flavors and key nutrients. On average, a slice contains about:
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 4g (sat fat 0.5g)
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
1. Warm with Ice Cream: Serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, creating a beautiful layering of flavors.
2. Pair with Fresh Fruit: A slice topped with berries or a fruit compote adds freshness. The tang of the berries pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
3. Cheese Accompaniment: Enjoying this cake with a spread of cream cheese or mascarpone elevates the flavor. A hint of tanginess balances the sweetness.
4. Morning Coffee Cake: Slice it thinly and serve with coffee for a casual breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s a fantastic option for those lazy weekend mornings.
5. Breakfast Treat: Serve alongside yogurt for a balanced breakfast. Add some nuts for texture and boost the protein content.
1. Unsweetened Applesauce: If you run out of regular applesauce, use an equivalent amount of unsweetened. This’ll keep the sweetness down but maintain moisture.
2. Honey or Agave: Substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar. Adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if using these.
3. Brown Sugar: Swap cane sugar for brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor and moisture.
4. Flaxseed Meal: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent if you wish to make it egg-free. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
5. Greek Yogurt: Replace part of the applesauce with plain Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and additional protein.
Baking an applesauce cake is not just about making a delicious dessert; it's about celebrating simple, wholesome ingredients that bring comfort and joy. With each bite, you're reminded of warm kitchens, laughter, and the love that goes into home-cooked treats.
Whether you dress it up for brunch or enjoy it on a quiet evening, this cake never disappoints. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with delightful scents and happy memories. You won’t regret it!
When I think of warm gatherings, I often picture a sweet slice of cake paired with a steaming cup of tea. I can almost hear the kitchen buzzing with laughter while a delicious smell wafts through the air. One cake that never fails to bring joy to my table is applesauce cake. It’s a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
Servings 9
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Rosa Crumley, a registered dietitian and food enthusiast from Pittsburgh, PA. With a love for chef-inspired recipes and a passion for creating delicious, balanced meals, I aim to bring gourmet flavors into your home kitchen. Through my blog, I share simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can cook!