Long before ‘moist’ became a buzzword in baking, home bakers had a secret weapon: applesauce. Applesauce cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a Depression-era classic born out of thrift and creativity, where simple pantry staples turned into something deeply comforting. Spiced, soft, and soul-warming, this cake carries the warmth of autumn and the heart of home in every slice.
🍰 Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake – Moist, Spiced, and Timeless
🔹 Why Applesauce Cake?
Applesauce cake is a vintage dessert that dates back to the early 1900s, especially popular during the Great Depression and wartime when eggs, butter, and milk were scarce. Using applesauce not only added moisture and sweetness but also stretched limited ingredients — and the result? A rich, spiced, incredibly soft cake that still holds its charm today.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
🔸 Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan or line with parchment paper.
🔸 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
🔸 Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
🔸 Step 4: Add Egg, Applesauce & Vanilla
- Beat in the egg, then add applesauce and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
🔸 Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
🔸 Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
🔸 Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or serve with whipped cream
- Perfect with a cup of hot tea, cider, or coffee
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (yes — more applesauce!).
- Extra moist: Use brown sugar instead of white, and don’t overbake.
- Add-ins: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Bundt style: Double the recipe and bake in a bundt pan for 50–60 minutes.
To discover more amazing recipes like Applesauce Cake Recipe, check out our previous article for more delicious Food ideas!
