What does applesauce do for cakes?

Great question! Applesauce acts as a natural moisture booster in cakes. It keeps the texture soft and tender without making the cake heavy. Plus, it adds a mild sweetness that blends beautifully with warm spices. In many recipes, applesauce also works as a substitute for fat or eggs, making your bake a little lighter and healthier. That’s why the applesauce cake recipe is loved by both traditional and health-conscious bakers alike.

What does applesauce replace in cake mix?

Applesauce can replace both oil and eggs in cake mix. Generally, 1/2 cup of applesauce can replace 1/2 cup of oil. For eggs, swap one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. Just keep in mind that it works best in recipes where moisture and flavor are key—like this cozy, spiced cake. Using applesauce as a replacement also gives you a lower-fat, lower-calorie option without sacrificing taste or texture.

How do you make a 2-ingredient cake mix with applesauce?

Yep, it's possible—and super simple! Just mix one box of cake mix with about 1.5 to 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce. Skip the eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth, pour into a greased pan, and bake according to the package instructions. You’ll end up with a moist, fluffy cake that’s lighter but still full of flavor. It’s a quick fix when you need dessert in a hurry.

How to make apple sauce for cake?

To make a basic applesauce at home, peel and chop 4–5 apples and simmer them in a pot with a bit of water until soft. Then mash or blend until smooth. Want more flavor? Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Homemade applesauce brings a warm, rustic touch to any applesauce cake recipe , and it’s free from added sugar or preservatives.

Can I replace oil with applesauce in cake?

Absolutely! In most cakes, applesauce can fully or partially replace oil. Use a 1:1 ratio—if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, just use 1/2 cup of applesauce instead. This makes your cake lower in fat but still rich in texture. It's a great trick for guilt-free baking that still tastes amazing.

What makes the best apple sauce?

The best applesauce for baking is smooth, slightly thick, and not overly sweet. Go for unsweetened versions so you can control the sugar in your recipe. If you’re making it at home, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced flavor. Adding cinnamon gives it a lovely, warm aroma that’s perfect for cakes and other desserts.

10-Step Applesauce Cake Recipe That’s Moist, Easy & Delicious

Name: Applesauce Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; – 1/2 cup sugar; – 1/2 cup brown sugar; – 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil; – 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; – 1 tsp baking soda; – 1/2 tsp salt; – 1 tsp ground cinnamon; – 1/4 tsp ground cloves; – 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan); – 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); – 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Description

A moist, flavorful applesauce cake recipe made with simple pantry staples and warm spices—perfect for cozy gatherings or everyday desserts.

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

– 1/2 cup sugar

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1/4 tsp ground cloves

– 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

– 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time (or flax egg substitute), mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in applesauce until fully combined.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.

6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

7. Fold in optional mix-ins like raisins or walnuts if using.

8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 290 kcal per serving

Keywords: applesauce cake recipe, moist applesauce cake, apple spice cake, homemade applesauce dessert, fall dessert ideas