Alright flavor adventurers, buckle up because today I’m dropping the ultimate game-changer in the world of moist, spiced, and unforgettable cakes: my famous Applesauce Cake. The first time I sunk my teeth into this masterpiece, it was like a flavor bomb exploded on my tongue—sweet, spicy, and so incredibly moist it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples, friends around the table, and that moment when everyone paused mid-bite, eyes wide open, whispering “What is this magic?!” That’s the power of this Applesauce Cake.
This recipe isn’t your average, ordinary bake. Oh no, it’s bold, unapologetically packed with flavor, and scratch-made with love and flair. This Applesauce Cake flaunts deep, spicy notes that elevate it straight to celebration-level status. It’s the perfect mashup of simplicity and sophistication. Every bite delivers moistness that practically melts, thanks to the miracle-working ingredient—unsweetened applesauce—that keeps this cake tender without any guesswork.
Guess what made this Applesauce Cake my go-to showstopper? The cinnamon-spiced twist, combined with just the right touch of sweet and tangy applesauce, creates a flavor that’s loud and proud—not shy or basic. This cake aligns perfectly with Cuba Queen’s bold flavor manifesto, serving up vibrance in every mouthful with zero compromise. I’m aching for you to experience this moist applesauce cake recipe, because it’s about transforming everyday baking into a fearless flavor adventure.
Today, I’m letting you in on how to make an easy applesauce cake from scratch that’s going to win over every breakfast nook, coffee break, and dinner party. Believe me, I’ve tested and tweaked this spiced applesauce cake recipe till it shines with perfection, and I’m just bursting to share it with you. Ready to turn your kitchen into a fiesta of flavor with this applesauce cake with cinnamon goodness? Let’s do this!
If you ever thought gluten-free applesauce cake was dry and bland—think again. I’ve got you covered with tips to keep it moist and bursting with taste, making sure every flavor adventurer leaves the table smiling. So, grab your ingredients, bring your energy, and let’s make magic with this Applesauce Cake that’s anything but ordinary.
For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes or dive into a different kind of lusciousness with the Raspberry White Chocolate Cake Roll. Trust me, once this applesauce cake hits the oven, you’ll want all your sweets to pack this kind of punch.
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Applesauce Cake ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Each component is handpicked to keep the cake moist, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free applesauce cake, substitute with 2 cups almond flour + ¼ cup tapioca starch)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (the secret to epic applesauce cake is generous cinnamon – it makes all the difference!)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but elevates the spiced applesauce cake vibes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (adds depth and moisture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (balanced sweetness)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (the moist applesauce cake magic-maker)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (you can swap with coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Look, you’ll find the best ingredients for this Applesauce Cake at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store. Whenever possible, splurge on fresh organic cinnamon sticks and grind them yourself for an unbeatable aroma upgrade. Brown sugar should always be packed tightly—don’t skimp here; it brings the molasses warmth.
Budget-friendly alternative? Use pantry staples without hesitation and this applesauce cake with cinnamon will still slay. If fresh nutmeg isn’t in your spice drawer, ground allspice works fine—just a pinch.
Storage wisdom: Have your applesauce prepped a day ahead, refrigerated in an airtight container to keep it tasting fresh and vibrant for maximum moist applesauce cake impact.
Don’t forget, friends, this list is your flavor passport—stick with fresh, high-quality ingredients and your cake will reward you every glorious time. For a twist on this recipe, take a peek at Smitten Kitchen’s spiced applesauce cake for some inspiration!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Ready to take this easy applesauce cake from scratch to showstopper? Follow my tested—and retested—process for flawless results every bake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Don’t skip this step—your Applesauce Cake loves a non-stick home.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry spice combo is the heart of your spiced applesauce cake. Pro tip: sift these together for a light, even crumb.
- In a separate bowl, beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Your batter should glisten with promise—not grainy or separated.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mix and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—overworked batter = dense cake. You want your applesauce cake to be light, moist, with tender crumb magic happening.
- Transfer your luscious batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. This is where your applesauce cake transforms into pure magic before even hitting the oven.
- Bake for 38-42 minutes. Check with a toothpick after 38 minutes; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. While your Applesauce Cake is working its magic, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold!
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling lets the flavors settle and the crumb firm up—a critical step for that perfect slice every time.
This is where most people mess up their Applesauce Cake—either by overbaking or slicing too soon. Don’t stress—you’re going to get it right. Moist applesauce cake recipe mastery is all about timing and patience.
If you want to boost the celebration factor, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting—a crowd favorite! For that, check out this mouthwatering Applesauce Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I tested it, and yeah… yum overload.
Efficiency hack? Mix your dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls while preheating. That way, when the oven is hot, your batter goes in faster and the kitchen stays tidy. Trust me, clean-up ready = flavor victory.
PRESENTATION:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Applesauce Cake at casual brunches or holiday dinners. This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience.
Slice thick, because every bite deserves to deliver that moist applesauce cake hug. For an extra wow factor, sprinkle some powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce? Pure next-level.
This Applesauce Cake absolutely slays at dinner parties and game days alike. It’s proof that comfort food can have bold sophistication. Pair it with a strong cup of Cuban coffee or a frothy chai latte for a serious flavor knockout.
For those Instagram-ready moments, plate the cake alongside fresh seasonal fruit—sliced pears or a handful of pomegranate seeds create eye-popping contrast. Your followers will think you hired a pro food stylist.
Leftovers? Slice and turn into decadent French toast or crumble on top of vanilla yogurt for a spiced breakfast twist.
Seasonal tweak you must try: Swap half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice come fall. It’s like autumn giving you a high-five.
If this flavor bomb hits your sweet spot, you NEED to try the Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake recipe with black walnuts here. Black walnuts add crunch and earthy depth that’s pure genius.

FAQs:
Can I make this Applesauce Cake spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or double the cinnamon for a bolder, spiced applesauce cake flavor. I’ve had flavor adventurers rave about the extra kick.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute with a mix of baking soda plus a bit of cream of tartar. The leavening might not be as perfect, but your cake will still deliver moistness and flavor.
How do I know when my Applesauce Cake is perfectly done?
Toothpick test, always. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs clinging—not wet batter. Visual cues include a golden top and the sweet cinnamon aroma filling the room.
Is this recipe adaptable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour plus starch as mentioned in the ingredients, but watch bake time closely. This gluten-free applesauce cake stays moist and tasty when you get those ingredient swaps right.
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead?
You can, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance sweetness. I prefer unsweetened to control flavor and avoid a cloying finish.
What’s your best tip for keeping this cake moist?
Don’t overbake and don’t skip the applesauce! It’s the moisture hero that transforms this recipe into the most indulgent moist applesauce cake recipe you’ll ever make.
Can I freeze leftover Applesauce Cake?
Yes! Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and briefly warm before serving.
Real talk: community feedback raves about this recipe’s reliability and bold flavor punch. You’re joining a crowd of flavor adventurers ready to conquer the kitchen with this staple.
CONCLUSION:
This Applesauce Cake is pure Cuba Queen boldness on a plate—unapologetic with its rich, moist, and cinnamon-spiced personality. Every slice brings joy, warmth, and that unmistakable “wow” factor we crave.
Applesauce Cake Power Tips:
- Use packed brown sugar for deep molasses flavor.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon—it’s the soul of this cake’s bold profile.
- Always trust the toothpick test—you want moist crumbs, not wet batter.
My flavor experiments don’t stop here—I’ve also rocked an applesauce cake with nuts and raisins for old-school vibes, a dairy-free version using plant-based oils and milks, and a caramel-glazed applesauce cake that’s pure indulgence.
The version that wins biggest cheers? The classic spiced applesauce cake with cinnamon for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy every time.
Make this easy applesauce cake from scratch yours. I’m confident you’ll nail it and then some, creating sweet memories with every slice. Snap a pic and share your flavor adventure stories—I want to hear how your kitchen rocked this recipe!
For bonus inspiration, try whipping up the Butternut Squash Pancakes next—it’s another bold recipe celebration you don’t want to miss.
Now get baking and watch the magic happen—your Applesauce Cake moments await.
Applesauce Cake
Moist and spiced, this Applesauce Cake combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, making a perfect comforting dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, combine applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

