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Applesauce Cake

Square slice of moist Applesauce Cake topped with creamy frosting, served on a ceramic plate with a wooden charger.

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This moist and warmly spiced applesauce cake is a one-bowl wonder, topped with apple-infused buttercream frosting. Perfect for all seasons, it’s an easy and nostalgic dessert you can’t mess up.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp table salt
  • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup apple juice (for frosting)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • Pinch of table salt (for frosting)
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk applesauce, brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, simmer apple juice over medium heat until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Cool slightly.
  9. In a bowl, beat butter and a pinch of salt until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth.
  10. Mix in apple juice concentrate and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Frost the cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense texture.
  • Frosting can be replaced with cream cheese or caramel glaze.
  • Store frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.
  • Optional: Add ½ cup chopped toasted nuts or raisins for texture.