Description
A super moist old-fashioned applesauce cake that’s rich with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Topped with a buttery caramel glaze and walnuts, this easy recipe makes a perfect cozy dessert for fall gatherings, quick breakfast ideas, or a comforting after-dinner treat. This is a healthy snack alternative to overly sweet cakes and one of our top-rated classic cake food ideas.
Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch square pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir just until combined.
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and pour the glaze over the warm cake.
9. Let the cake cool slightly so the glaze can set. Top with extra walnuts if desired.
10. Slice and serve warm or chilled as preferred.
Notes
Use unsweetened applesauce for best results and flavor balance.
Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added — stir just until incorporated.
The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently when ready to pour over the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, old-fashioned cake, fall dessert, spiced cake, easy cake