Applesauce Loaf Cake

If you like to keep a homemade baked good on hand to give the kids after school or in case a friend stops by for a visit, applesauce loaf cake is a perfect choice. The soft slices are moist thanks to applesauce and raisins, and the loaf is full of autumnal flavor from the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Plus, you couldn’t ask for an easier recipe: Just mix the ingredients together, pour the batter into loaf pans and bake. The baked loaves can be frozen to keep on hand for the future or enjoyed right out of the oven. When you want ideas for food gifts for neighbors or family members, applesauce cake loaf is a gift that anyone will be happy to receive.

Ingredients for Applesauce Loaf Cake

• Applesauce: Keep this recipe easy by using store-bought applesauce. Or, if you have freshly picked apples on hand, make this old-fashioned applesauce without added sugar.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works fine here. You can also substitute one of our recommended gluten-free flour blends to easily turn this into a gluten-free recipe.
• Spices: Use a combination of classic warm spices that are sublime with apple: cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
• Raisins: Regular or golden raisins add extra sweetness and moisture to this cake.
• Sugar: Granulated is the type of sugar needed for this cake. You can also choose to use light brown sugar in place of some or all the granulated sugar to give the cake a deeper flavor and color.
• Butter: Our Test Kitchen found that these are the best butter brands for baking recipes. Watch for sales and stock up for the holidays!
• Egg: You’ll need one large egg here. Do you know the right way to crack an egg? We’ll show you how.
• Vanilla extract: Use store-bought or homemade vanilla extract in this applesauce cake loaf. Homemade extracts made with rum or bourbon would be especially delicious here.
• Baking soda: To help the cake rise and give it a light texture, add some baking soda. Acids in ingredients like applesauce and raisins activate the soda.
• Walnuts: They give the soft slices little bits of crunch as well as a nutty flavor. Chop your nuts evenly for the best results.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Stir together the applesauce, egg, sugar, melted butter and vanilla extract in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture and mix well. Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts.

Step 2: Bake the applesauce cake loaf

Divide the batter between two greased 8×4-inch loaf pans. Bake the cakes for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them onto wire racks and cool completely.

Applesauce Loaf Cake Variations

• Try other nuts: Applesauce cake is delicious with other chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, pecans or cashews.
• Increase the spices: The level of warm spices in this recipe is mild; for a stronger autumnal flavor, double the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
• Use some nut flour: Deepen the nutty flavor in this cake by reducing the all-purpose flour to 1-1/2 cups and adding 1/2 cup almond flour, cashew flour or hazelnut flour.
• Make it with other dried fruits: Instead of raisins, try mixing in dried cranberries, dried blueberries or dried cherries. Or, use a combination of dried fruit.
• Add frosting: Dress up this humble applesauce cake loaf with a layer of cream cheese frosting, cinnamon-flavored buttercream or a thin coating of lemon glaze.

How to Store Applesauce Loaf Cake

One of the best things about applesauce loaf cake is the moist texture, so take steps to keep the cake from drying out. Wrap it well with food wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight food storage container. Store the cake at room temperature.

How long does applesauce loaf cake last?

Applesauce cake will last up to four days. Be sure to keep the applesauce cake loaves tightly covered, especially after sneaking a slice for a snack or dessert.

Can you freeze applesauce loaf cake?

Yes, applesauce loaf cake freezes well, which is perfect since this recipe makes two loaves. Wrap the cake well or transfer it to a freezer-proof storage container or resealable bag. Store the cake in the freezer for up to three months.

To thaw the cake, transfer it to the fridge and let the cake defrost overnight. It can then be served chilled or allowed to warm up to room temperature.

Applesauce Loaf Cake Tips

Can you make applesauce cake loaf in a different pan?

Yes, this applesauce cake loaf is versatile enough to make in another size pan. Instead of two loaves, pour all the batter into a 9×2-inch cake pan or an 8- or 9-inch baking dish. Another option is to divide the batter between muffin cups, filling each to three quarters full.

Changing the size of the pan will also change the baking time. For muffins, begin checking for doneness after 20 minutes; for the square pan, begin checking after about 35 minutes. The larger loaf pan may require more time in the oven.

How should you serve applesauce loaf cake?

Serve slices of this cake with a cup of hot apple cider or hot tea. The cake can be served at room temperature or warmed up slightly in the oven or microwave.

If you want to add a little something to the cake, try topping slices with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. And never say no to a scoop of vanilla or butter brickle ice cream on the side.