Cozy Easy Applesauce Cake

I make this cake whenever I have applesauce sitting in my fridge and want something warm and comforting. The batter comes together in one bowl, and the house smells incredible while it bakes.

My Easy Applesauce Cake has become my answer to last-minute gatherings and quiet weekend mornings. It works plain with coffee or dressed up with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.

What makes this Easy Applesauce Cake a keeper for years to come

I love how this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients without any fuss. The combination of all-purpose, whole wheat, and almond flours creates a tender crumb that stays moist for days.

The apple pie spice brings warmth without overpowering the subtle apple flavor. I can have this in the oven within 15 minutes, which makes it my go-to when I need something quick but satisfying.

The walnuts add just enough crunch to balance the soft texture. You can frost it for special occasions or keep it simple for everyday snacking.

If you’re looking for more apple-forward recipes, my Easy Apple Slices Peanut Butter Sandwich makes a great afternoon snack, and My Epic Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites deliver that same cozy spice in a portable form.

Everything you need for the perfect Easy Applesauce Cake

• 1 cup applesauce (homemade works best, but store-bought is fine)
• ½ cup cane sugar
• ⅓ cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil like grapeseed or vegetable)
• ¼ cup almond milk (oat milk or regular milk works too)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ cup almond flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor if you have time)
• Cream cheese frosting, optional

My Method for Easy Applesauce Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, avocado oil, almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, sea salt, and baking soda until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks to keep the cake tender.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
7. Bake for 32 to 39 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly pressed. The edges should pull away slightly from the pan.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to carefully lift it out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or slicing.

My kitchen secrets for getting this Easy Applesauce Cake just right

I always spoon and level my flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing in too much flour, which can make the cake dry and dense.

Homemade applesauce gives this cake little flecks of soft apple throughout. If you use store-bought, choose unsweetened varieties so you can control the sugar level.

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. I stop folding as soon as I see the flour disappear, even if a few small lumps remain.

When I usually serve my Easy Applesauce Cake

I slice this for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or serve it as an afternoon snack. It also makes a great dessert when topped with cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Applesauce Cake fits perfectly into fall gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ve brought it to brunches and watched it disappear within minutes.