Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce

Name: Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened (113 grams/8 Tablespoons); 1 3/4 cups sugar (350 grams); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup applesauce (preferably unsweetened); 2 cups peeled & grated or finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred); 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour or gluten-free flour* (270 grams); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; Buttermilk Syrup; Whipped Cream; Vanilla Ice Cream

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, fragrant cake filled with cozy spices and tender apples. This Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe has become my go-to when I want a treat that's moist, bursting with apple flavor, and just sweet enough. It's like autumn in every bite!

A white round plate holds a piece of brown cake with a moist, crumbly texture, covered with a shiny, thick caramel sauce flowing slightly over the edges. A silver fork is breaking a small bite from the cake, showing a soft, dense inside soaked with the caramel sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green apple and a white pitcher visible nearby. Another plate with a similar cake piece and caramel sauce is partially seen in the background. A white cloth is casually placed near the front edge of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried quite a few apple cakes over the years, and this one stands out because of its perfect balance—the applesauce keeps it wonderfully moist without making it soggy, and the grated fresh apples give a lovely texture that makes every bite exciting. Plus, the warm spices make your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes!

Moist and tender texture: Thanks to the combination of applesauce and fresh apples, this cake never dries out.
Warm spice flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves work together to create a cozy, inviting taste.
Simple and approachable: You won’t need any fancy techniques or equipment to get fantastic results.
Versatile serving options: Whether topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of buttermilk syrup, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

A single square piece of brown cake with a moist texture sits in the center of a small white plate, topped with a thick layer of shiny caramel sauce that drips down the sides onto the plate. The background shows two apples, one green and one red, slightly out of focus, and a glass bottle of milk. A silver fork is placed on a white cloth napkin in the foreground on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe plays its part in building those cozy textures and flavors you’ll love. When shopping, I always look for fresh, crisp apples, and I recommend unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness balanced.

Flat lay of a small slab of pale yellow softened butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a mound of white granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells resting next to a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth pale beige applesauce, a neat pile of peeled and finely diced green Granny Smith apple pieces on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl holding fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon of warm brown color, another small white bowl containing finely ground nutmeg with a sandy texture, a small white bowl filled with dark brown ground cloves, a small heap of fine white baking soda powder close by, a quarter teaspoon mound of baking powder in a tiny white bowl, and a small pinch of fine white salt all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Provides richness and helps the cake stay tender.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning, creating a beautiful crust.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
Applesauce (unsweetened): Keeps the cake moist without extra added sugar and adds natural fruit flavor.
Fresh grated or finely diced apples: I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, plus they create delightful texture.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): The base of the cake structure; choose gluten-free if you need to.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: The warm spices that make this cake so irresistible.
Baking soda and baking powder: Leaveners that help the cake rise just right.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how customizable this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s one of those recipes where a little personal flair goes a long way.

Variation: I sometimes swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a bit of nutty depth and extra fiber; the texture stays delightfully moist thanks to the applesauce.
Dairy-free adaptation: Use vegan butter and a plant-based yogurt or milk to keep it moist and dairy-free, and it’s just as tasty!
Nut add-ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top or folded in add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. This higher temp really helps the cake get that gorgeous browned crust without drying out inside. Grease a 9x13” metal pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. I often go for parchment because clean-up is a breeze, and it prevents sticking every time.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Take a minute to whisk until everything is evenly combined. I find this makes sure the spice flavors are nicely distributed throughout the cake instead of clumping up in one spot.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 2-3 minutes. You want it light, fluffy, and pale—that’s how you know you’ve done this step right and are building the cake’s tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Applesauce

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in your applesauce—this ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness without extra sugar. I always use unsweetened to keep the balance just right.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet, Then Add Apples

Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, folding gently just to combine. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can make the cake dense. Finally, fold in the grated or finely diced apples until evenly dispersed. These apple pieces add fresh bursts of flavor and texture I personally adore.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. My oven tends to brown quickly, so I keep an eye on it and tent loosely with foil if it’s getting too dark before the center is done. Cool the cake on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Cut into slices and serve warm or room temperature with your choice of topping—my favorites are a drizzle of buttermilk syrup, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, cream cheese frosting is a spectacular option. Leftovers keep well wrapped in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Top Tip

I’ve baked this Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe many times, and these tips always make a noticeable difference in how it turns out:

Use room temperature eggs and butter: They blend more smoothly and help create the cake’s light texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
Grate apples finely: Smaller pieces distribute flavor better and won’t sink to the bottom during baking.
Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different, so start checking at 35 minutes with a toothpick for doneness to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of buttermilk syrup for a little tang. When I’m feeling indulgent, I pile on freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai or a strong black coffee. For a festive brunch, I like serving it alongside a crisp green apple salad or a spread of cheeses and nuts for a sweet-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve shaped the batter into cupcake molds for individual portions, then topped each one with a cinnamon-sugar crumble. It’s a charming way to serve guests and makes the kitchen smell amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it moist. It holds up well for 2-3 days—though, honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I often freeze half the cake if I’m making a big batch. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want some, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple hours, and it tastes just as fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, I reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Adding ice cream or whipped cream right after warming makes it feel extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple in the Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their balance of sweetness and tartness, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples would also work well. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their texture and don’t turn mushy while baking.

Do I have to use applesauce in this cake?

The applesauce adds moisture and subtle sweetness, helping the cake stay tender even days later. You could substitute with mashed banana or pumpkin puree in a pinch, but applesauce is tried and true for this recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! I’ve had great success swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, as long as it’s a 1:1 substitution mix with xanthan gum included. The texture and flavor remain just as delicious.

How long does the cake keep fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for 2-3 days. You can also keep it at room temperature, covered, for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Applesauce Recipe has truly become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the fall flavors year-round. It’s easy enough for a casual afternoon treat but special enough to bring out for guests or celebrations. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do—give yourself the little moment of joy that comes with savoring a perfectly spiced, moist slice of homemade cake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way