If you’re hunting for a soul-soothing, old-fashioned treat that carries the warmth of home in every crumb, Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is the answer. Bursting with cozy autumn spices and soft applesauce, this cake is plush, fragrant, and perfectly moist—the sort of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a holiday hug. Each slice whisks you back to simpler days, but the classic combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is just as irresistible today. Whether you serve it with morning coffee or as the grand finish to a homey dinner, Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is that timeless recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest joys of this recipe is how simple but essential the ingredients are—you probably have most of them in your pantry right now! Each element plays a special role in the taste, aroma, and inviting golden hue of Grandma’s Applesauce Cake.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, creating a tender crumb that holds together beautifully.
- Baking soda & baking powder: The dream team for lift and tenderness—these ensure your cake rises light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a hint to round out the sweetness and spotlight those wonderful spices.
- Ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg: The signature trio for that irresistible, nostalgic spiced aroma.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cake richness and a perfectly tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens everything just right and helps the cake achieve a delicate crumb.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient—keeps the cake moist, adds gentle flavor, and is a clever way to use up extra applesauce.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cake structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, familiar aroma that lifts all the other flavors.
- Raisins (optional): For little pops of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Toss these in for a bit of crunch and nutty depth—the cake is delightful both ways!
How to Make Grandma’s Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan for classic cake squares or a 10-inch bundt pan if you’re after that old-style, sculpted effect. A well-greased pan ensures your Grandma’s Applesauce Cake slips out perfectly, holding every delicious detail.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This not only combines the leaveners and spices evenly but also fills the air with that signature spiced aroma—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, well-risen cake. If you’re using a handheld or stand mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes. Creaming not only blends the ingredients but incorporates air for that dreamy cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the applesauce, large egg, and vanilla extract until fully smooth. The applesauce brings all the moisture—no dry cake here!—and combines effortlessly with the spices, creating the base of Grandma’s Applesauce Cake’s unmistakable flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears—overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want it plush! Fold in the raisins and nuts if you love bursts of juicy sweetness and crunchy bites.
Step 6: Pour, Bake, and Test
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 35–40 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 45–50 minutes (for the bundt) until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven too early—the scent will tempt you!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your cake cool before slicing—this helps the texture set, making each square or slice neat and perfect. Enjoy your first piece plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a generous swoosh of cream cheese frosting.
How to Serve Grandma’s Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar brings a delicate, snow-like finish, but you can also go big with a lush layer of cream cheese frosting. A sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a dash of elegance—and brings out the apple and spice notes of Grandma’s Applesauce Cake even more.
Side Dishes
Pair each slice with a mug of spiced chai, piping hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert moment. If you’re serving a crowd, fresh apple slices, toasted nuts, or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream all complement the cake’s flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, cut the cake into generous squares and stack them high on a plate like vintage bake sales used to. If you’ve used a bundt pan, let the sculpted cake shine with just a dusting of sugar and a few thin apple wedges fanned in the center. Individual slices also make wonderfully thoughtful homemade gifts—wrap them in wax paper and a bit of twine for a nostalgic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake actually gets even better overnight, as the spices deepen and mingle. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, tuck it into the fridge to keep the cake fresh and moist.
Freezing
Want to make Grandma’s Applesauce Cake ahead? This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw pieces overnight in the fridge or for several hours at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
For the warm, just-baked taste, pop individual slices into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm larger portions gently in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the cake’s tender texture—add a scoop of ice cream for a truly comforting dessert.
FAQs
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose?
Absolutely—you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier, more wholesome texture. The cake will still stay moist and flavorful, just a bit more rustic.
What kind of applesauce should I use?
Unsweetened applesauce is best for Grandma’s Applesauce Cake, so you control the sweetness. If you use sweetened applesauce, just reduce the sugar in the recipe by a couple of tablespoons.
Can I omit the raisins or nuts?
Of course! The cake is delicious both with and without the extras. If you prefer a smooth, spice-forward bite, skip them; but if you love texture and bursts of sweetness, definitely include them.
Is this cake good for breakfast?
You bet! Grandma’s Applesauce Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea and is just hearty enough to welcome the day. Keep the frosting light or skip it for a more breakfast-friendly treat.
How long does Grandma’s Applesauce Cake keep?
It lasts up to three days at room temperature (in an airtight container) or about a week if refrigerated. The flavor truly blossoms as it sits, making leftovers a little treasure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet bite of nostalgia with every forkful, treat yourself and your loved ones to Grandma’s Applesauce Cake. It’s as easy to make as it is to love, and there’s nothing quite like sharing this classic, comforting dessert with people you care about. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a classic, moist and flavorful spiced cake that’s perfect for fall. This old-fashioned recipe is a family favorite and is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Prepare Wet Mix: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir just until combined. Fold in raisins and nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes (9×13 pan) or 45–50 minutes (bundt pan) until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool before slicing. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
