Homemade Apple Sauce Spice Cake

 Irresistible Homemade Apple Sauce Spice Cake

A Moist, Fragrant Dessert Bursting with Cozy Fall Flavors

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When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm scent of spices drifting from the kitchen. This Homemade Apple Sauce Spice Cake is the essence of autumn in dessert form—moist, tender, and richly spiced, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re cozying up with a mug of tea or hosting a seasonal gathering, this cake delivers nostalgic flavor with every bite.

Made from pantry staples and packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is incredibly easy to make and even easier to love. A simple vanilla glaze on top adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the spiced apple goodness. This is more than just a cake—it's a warm hug in edible form.

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🍎 Apple Sauce Spice Cake Recipe

🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

→ Provides the structure for the cake. All-purpose flour offers just the right balance of protein to create a soft yet stable crumb.

1 teaspoon baking soda

→ Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become airy and light.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Adds warmth and depth. Cinnamon is the defining spice in most fall desserts.

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Lends a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the cake.

½ teaspoon ground ginger

→ Adds a bit of zing, balancing the sweetness with subtle heat.

¼ teaspoon salt

→ Intensifies all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

→ Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.

¾ cup brown sugar

→ Sweetens while adding a hint of molasses flavor, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.

1 large egg

→ Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Enhances all the other flavors with a delicate, sweet aroma.

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

→ The star ingredient! Applesauce adds natural moisture, cuts down the need for excess fat, and infuses the cake with subtle fruit flavor.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step aerates the mixture, creating a lighter texture in the finished cake.

4️⃣ Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

5️⃣ Incorporate the Applesauce

Mix in the applesauce, blending until smooth. The batter will look slightly curdled—don’t worry, it will come together when the dry ingredients are added.

6️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cake tender.

7️⃣ Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8️⃣ Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

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✨ Optional Simple Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a sweet, glossy finish that pairs beautifully with the spiced base.

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💡 Why This Recipe Is Loved

No-fuss pantry ingredients – You likely have everything on hand.

Moist and tender texture thanks to applesauce and brown sugar.

Perfectly balanced spice profile – warm, comforting, and not overpowering.

Quick to make – Ready in under an hour, start to finish.

Versatile – Can be served as a snack cake, dessert, or even breakfast!

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🔥 Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Sauce Spice Cake

Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar content and prevent an overly sweet cake.

Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added—overmixing can make the cake dense.

Add chopped nuts or raisins for texture and extra flavor.

Make it dairy-free by swapping butter for a neutral oil and using plant-based milk in the glaze.

Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in a 9x13 pan—just increase the bake time slightly.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this cake:

Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

With coffee or chai as a cozy afternoon snack.

Alongside a fruit compote or sautéed apples for a brunch-worthy treat.

Want to go festive? Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top just before serving.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Sauce Spice Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s simple yet full of flavor, perfect for any time of year—though especially comforting in fall. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this cake delivers stunning results with minimal effort.

Moist, spiced to perfection, and topped with a luscious glaze, this cake deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite.

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Ready to bake this autumn classic? Bookmark this re

cipe and share it with fellow spice lovers—you won’t regret it.

Let the scent of cinnamon and apples fill your home today. 🍂

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📌 Pin it. Bake it. Love it.