Applesauce Cake Recipe

This applesauce cake recipe is a delightful twist on dessert with wholesome ingredients. I love how the combination of unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, and warm spices creates a moist, vegan-friendly cake that surprises the palate. Each bite sparks nostalgia and inspires a renewed love for baking.

I’m excited to share my twist on a super healthy applesauce cake recipe that works perfectly as both a snack and dessert. I first experimented with combining 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup maple syrup along with whole wheat and all-purpose flours to get a light, tender crumb.

This vegan delight uses 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg to add a subtle spice reminiscent of my favorite low fat desserts. I then mix in 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and a dash of apple cider vinegar to boost the rise.

Sometimes I even throw in 1 cup of chopped apples for extra texture. I love experimenting with healthy cake recipes like this one; it’s a low calorie treat that’s perfect for anyone looking for a low sugar sweet without compromising on flavor.

Enjoy baking it as much as I do!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this applesauce cake recipe because it gives me a healthy treat that still feels indulgent. First, I like that it’s super simple to make and the ingredients are stuff I feel good about eating. I mean, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk and maple syrup make it sweet without feeling loaded with bad sugars.

Second, the mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flours kinda gives it a neat texture that is both light and hearty at the same time. It makes me feel like I’m eating something natural and less processed.

Third, the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg really pop and add a warm flavor that makes the cake taste extra homely. It always reminds me of cozy family gatherings.

Lastly, I appreciate how flexible the recipe is. I can just fold in some chopped apples if I want more texture and fruity bursts which makes every bite exciting.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and fibre, keeping the cake soft and healthy.
• Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and rich flavor with essential healthy carbohydrates.
• Whole wheat flour contributes extra fibre, nutrients, and a hearty texture to the cake.
• All-purpose flour ensures lightness and balance, creating a soft crumb in every bite.
• Unsweetened almond milk adds creaminess without dairy, making it a healthier alternative.
• Apple cider vinegar improves rise and tenderness while adding a subtle tang.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warming spice plus a deep aromatic flavor.
• Optional chopped apples offer delightful crunch, extra sweetness, and a burst of vitamins.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Optional: 1 cup chopped apples

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk until smooth.

3. Add in 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and stir it in well.

4. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined, don’t overmix.

6. If you’re using the optional 1 cup chopped apples, fold them in now.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, checking in at 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, its done.

9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then move it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice it up and enjoy your healthy applesauce cake as a snack or dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 8-inch square pan or parchment paper to line a pan
3. Large mixing bowl for combining the wet ingredients
4. Second bowl for mixing dry ingredients
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Spatula for smoothing out the batter
8. Toothpick for testing the cake doneness
9. Wire cooling rack for cooling the cake
10. Knife (if you’re chopping apples)

FAQ

Applesauce Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of using unsweetened applesauce you can use mashed ripe banana or even pumpkin puree for a different twist on the flavor.
• If you dont have maple syrup try using honey or agave nectar but note that honey might change the flavor a little bit.
• You can swap whole wheat flour for spelt flour if you’d like a lighter texture but it will change the taste slightly.
• Unsweetened almond milk works great but you can also use soy milk or oat milk if thats all you have on hand.
• If you dont feel like using chopped apples, raisins can be a nice alternative for adding a little extra chewiness.

Pro Tips

1. be careful not to overmix your batter once you add the dry ingredients or your cake might turn out dense and rubbery
2. make sure your almond milk is at room temp; it helps everything combine a lot better and makes for a smoother batter
3. if you’re using chopped apples, fold them in gently so they dont break down too much and turn your cake into mush
4. let your cake cool down completely before slicing cause cutting it too soon could make it fall apart and lose its shape