Discover a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Applesauce Cake, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion that’s completely butter-free. You’ll love how simple it is to bake this moist and flavorful cake, a fantastic addition to your collection of cake recipes without butter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil work well. You can substitute with melted coconut oil.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal. A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be used.
- Cinnamon: Essential for the swirl and cake flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Applesauce Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 kcal
- Tools needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this mixture aside for later. This step ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well-combined. This forms the flavorful base for your cake recipes without butter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. You want a smooth batter.
5. Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small separate bowl, combine the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir them together until fully blended. This is what will create the beautiful swirl in your cake.
6. Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top.
7. Swirl the Batter
Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter a few times. Don’t overdo it, as you still want distinct layers. This creates the beautiful marbled effect.
8. Bake Your Cake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing it. This allows the cake to set properly.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Apple Chunks: Fold in ½ cup finely diced fresh apple for added texture and apple flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use sweetened applesauce? Yes, but you might want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cake by 2-3 tablespoons.
- Why is my cake tough? Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough texture. Mix only until just combined.
- Can I make this in a different size pan? You can use a 9-inch round pan, but adjust baking time as it might cook faster. Always check for doneness with a skewer.
- Is this recipe dairy-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for cake recipes without butter.
- Can I add frosting? Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or a dairy-free cream cheese frosting would complement this cake beautifully.
- What kind of oil is best for this cake? Neutral-flavored oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil work best as they won’t alter the cake’s flavor.