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Two moist applesauce cake slices stacked on a white plate with thick cream cheese frosting

Easy Applesauce Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Servings 9 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp oil (or additional applesauce for oil-free)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose, spelt, or oat flour)
  • 1/3 cup sugar (white, brown, or coconut sugar)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp allspice
  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese or vegan cream cheese
  • 4 oz butter or vegan butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
  • Add the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon directly to the same bowl. Stir until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in any optional mix-ins (raisins, walnuts, or coconut) if using.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
  • Bake on the center oven rack for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  • For cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake.
  • Slice into 9 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the texture gets more moist.
  • Do not skip the white vinegar - it reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise properly.
  • For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oat flour.
  • For a completely oil-free cake, replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce.
  • This recipe is naturally egg-free and dairy-free (without cream cheese frosting).