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Apple Sauce Spice Cake Recipe – Moist, Fragrant, and Perfectly Spiced
There’s something heartwarming about the aroma of spices and apples baking together in the oven. Apple Sauce Spice Cake is a timeless American favorite that blends the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the natural sweetness of apples. The result is a tender, moist cake that’s bursting with autumn-inspired flavor — though it’s delicious enough to enjoy any time of year.
This cake is soft, dense, and wonderfully aromatic, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or baking experience — just a few pantry staples and a love for homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this cake irresistible is its incredible balance of flavor and texture. The apple sauce gives it a naturally moist crumb while reducing the need for extra butter or oil, making it a lighter yet still indulgent dessert. Every bite delivers a warm blend of spices that remind you of fall — cozy, fragrant, and comforting.
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Soft, rich, and moist without being heavy
- Deeply spiced and full of flavor
- Easy, one-layer cake — no complex steps
- Ideal for both everyday desserts and special occasions
- Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make this delightful cake:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ to 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Apple Sauce Spice Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step traps air into the batter, helping the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the apple sauce. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition — just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Add Nuts or Raisins (Optional)
If you like a bit of crunch or extra sweetness, gently fold in chopped nuts or raisins at this stage. They add both texture and flavor to the finished cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with a comforting spiced aroma.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or spreading your favorite cream cheese frosting if you want an extra touch of indulgence.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Texture
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature eggs and apple sauce to help them blend smoothly with the butter and sugar.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir only until combined once you add the flour. Overmixing activates gluten, which can make the cake dense.
3. Use Unsweetened Apple Sauce: It gives you control over the sweetness and prevents the cake from becoming overly sugary.
4. Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing — this gives the crumb time to set for a clean, moist slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened apple sauce?
Yes, but if you do, reduce the granulated sugar by about ¼ cup to balance the sweetness.
What does apple sauce do in a cake?
Apple sauce keeps the cake soft and moist while acting as a natural fat substitute. It adds both flavor and tenderness without making the cake greasy.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Stir in up to one cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the spices develop deeper flavor overnight.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once cooled, store your apple sauce spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Ideas
This cake is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent dessert. It pairs wonderfully with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of warm spiced cider. For a special touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
Apple Sauce Spice Cake is the kind of dessert that brings comfort with every bite. Its tender crumb, fragrant spices, and gentle sweetness make it the perfect treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Whether served plain or dressed up with frosting, it’s a simple yet elegant cake that never fails to impress. Try it once, and it might just become one of your most treasured recipes — full of warmth, nostalgia, and that unmistakable homemade charm.