This simple applesauce cake comes together right in the baking pan, eliminating the need for bowls: just 10 minutes of preparation for a moist, cinnamon-flavored cake! Ideal for busy bakers, and pairs well with either powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting.
Over time, I’ve developed numerous cake recipes, and this one continually receives fantastic feedback: my favorite straightforward applesauce cake! The brilliance of this recipe is that you mix everything directly in the baking pan, allowing you to have a tender, spice-infused cake in the oven in just 15 minutes.
The secret to its flavor isn’t solely the applesauce, which keeps the cake remarkably moist and fluffy. It’s the blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, and warm spices in that ingenious one-pan mixing technique!
Reasons this applesauce cake recipe is so effective
I absolutely adore this moist, spice-scented one that you can make directly in the baking dish. I created this applesauce cake recipe inspired by the book Prep: The Essential College Cookbook by my author friend Katie Sullivan Morford. It has become a beloved recipe in my family! Here’s why:
– It’s incredibly simple to prepare. No mixing bowls needed! Everything is mixed in the cake pan.
– It offers substantial cozy flavor. This cake includes olive oil, Greek yogurt, and applesauce to ensure it remains moist. With such basic ingredients, you might expect the taste to be bland, but it boasts the perfect level of sweetness, a delightful cinnamon aroma, and tangy fruitiness from the applesauce.
– It’s suitable for any time of the year. While applesauce cake has a slight autumn feel, it can be made at any time.
Key ingredients
– Applesauce: I prefer using unsweetened applesauce for this recipe. Homemade applesauce isn’t necessary, but it would enhance the flavor!
– Brown Sugar: I specifically opt for light brown sugar since it adds molasses undertones without dominating the apple flavor and maintains a lovely light brown hue.
– Greek Yogurt: Along with applesauce, this ingredient provides the cake’s moist texture. I’ve found that full-fat Greek yogurt works best, though low-fat can substitute in a pinch.
– Olive Oil: Using olive oil in place of butter results in a softer crumb and helps the cake stay moist for days. I prefer a mild olive oil (look for labels that say “mild taste”, though any variety works).
– Cinnamon: I use a generous amount of cinnamon in this recipe because it complements the applesauce beautifully. If you enjoy warm spices, consider adding ½ tsp each of ground ginger, allspice, and cloves.
My one-pan mixing technique
The charm of this applesauce cake is in its ease. You can easily mix everything right in the buttered baking dish, thus avoiding extra cleanup.
Start by buttering your pan thoroughly. Combine all the dry ingredients in the pan first, using a fork to break up any clumps of brown sugar. The trick is to create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
I crack the egg into the well, then add the oil, yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla all at once. The mixing happens quickly: I use a fork to combine from the center outward until just blended.
Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing! Stop as soon as the flour disappears. A few lumps are okay and won’t affect the cake.
Topping suggestions
Of course, you can top this applesauce cake with icing if you prefer. However, to keep it light and simple, we like to use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead. Here are some topping ideas:
– Powdered sugar (simplest): Dust with powdered sugar.
– Glaze icing (festive): Prepare a double batch of Powdered Sugar Icing and pour it on top.
– Maple glaze (fun): Try this easy Maple Glaze for an abundance of cozy flavor!
– Cream cheese icing (rich): Make our Cream Cheese Frosting and spread it generously on top.
Storage and make-ahead recommendations
Store the applesauce cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months (thaw at room temperature).
Make-Ahead Tip: I frequently bake this cake in the morning and serve it that evening. It tastes even better after resting for a few hours.
Dietary information
This applesauce cake recipe is vegetarian. Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version. (And let us know how it turns out!)
Easy Applesauce Cake
This applesauce cake is wonderfully moist, infused with cinnamon and brown sugar. Plus, you mix the entire batter directly in the cake pan! No mixing bowls required.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 pieces
Category: Dessert
Method: B