You’re about to discover a remarkably simple and delicious Spiced Applesauce Cake, a true gem among one bowl cake recipes. This incredibly moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, offering comfort and warmth with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened for best results. You can use homemade or store-bought.
- All-purpose flour: White whole wheat flour works too, for a slightly denser texture.
- Brown sugar: Granulated sugar can be used, but brown sugar adds more moisture and depth.
- Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, rest 5 min) are a good vegan substitute.
- Neutral oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil are all suitable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Tools: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your Spiced Applesauce Cake won’t stick.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. This is the beauty of one bowl cake recipes – simplicity.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
To the same bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
4. Pour into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Enjoy this delightful one bowl cake.
Variation Ideas
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Add ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- For a zestier flavor, include 1 teaspoon of orange zest in the batter.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Spiced Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened applesauce?
Yes, unsweetened applesauce is highly recommended for this recipe. It allows you to control the sweetness.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
You can adjust the spices to your preference. Cinnamon and nutmeg are the most crucial for this one bowl cake.
Can I make this in a different pan size?
A 9×13 inch pan is ideal. If using a different size, adjust baking time and monitor for doneness.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Absolutely! This is a perfect example of easy one bowl cake recipes, making it great for beginner bakers.
How do I know if the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your Spiced Applesauce Cake is ready.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Its flavors often deepen overnight.