This Applesauce Cake Recipe is moist, warmly spiced, and topped with creamy frosting for an easy one bowl dessert.
author’s note
One Bowl, Big Flavor, Zero Fuss!
I’ve always loved baking with applesauce. It keeps baked goods so moist, adds natural sweetness, and brings that cozy flavor I grew up with.
My mom used it all the time, and now it’s one of my favorite baking staples. This Applesauce Cake is the best example of why. It’s tender, full of warm spice, and so simple to make in just one bowl.
The cream cheese frosting makes it extra special, but it’s just as delicious plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened Applesauce | Use homemade or store-bought, but avoid sweetened so you control the sugar. |
| Coconut Oil | Melt and cool before adding. Swap with canola or vegetable oil if preferred. |
| Brown Sugar | You can use coconut sugar for a less refined option. |
| Oat Flour | Make your own by blending oats or buy it pre-ground. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free for a guaranteed gluten free applesauce cake. |
| Spices | Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give the cake its flavor. Adjust amounts or add cloves/ginger for extra spice. |
| Pecans | Optional but adds crunch. Swap for walnuts or leave out entirely. |
Quick Tip
To make this cake gluten-free: Check ingredient labels for any gluten processing. Even small amounts of gluten can be harmful to those with celiac disease.
How To Make This Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Wet ingredients: Whisk together applesauce, oil, egg, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
- Dry ingredients: Mix in baking soda, powder, salt, spices, pecans, and oat flour.
- Bake: Spread batter into a lined baking pan and bake until a toothpick comes clean.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool before frosting so the frosting stays smooth.
- Frost: Spread on the frosting and finish with chopped pecans if you’d like and enjoy!
Featured Comment
“I make this recipe all the time, exactly as printed and it always comes out perfect. This is my go-to snack cake and everyone enjoys it! Thank you for sharing this recipe.”
– Laura
Storage
Store this applesauce cake recipe at room temp, covered with plastic wrap. It’s best within 1-2 days.
For longer storage, freeze un-frosted pieces for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature and then frost.
More Apple Recipes:
Applesauce Cake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted and cooled, see note 1
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup oat flour blend up old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
- 1/3 cup raisins optional
- 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans optional, for topping
Instructions
- Set out cream cheese to warm to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or the cake will not come out easily. Melt coconut oil and let cool to room temperature (see note 1).
- In a large bowl, stir together applesauce, melted and cooled coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to the bowl, then add oat flour (see note 2). If using, add chopped pecans and raisins. Mix until combined and smooth.
- Pour batter into the lined 8×8 pan. Bake for 28–33 minutes or until a fork inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth. Add salt. If you’d like a tangier or soft frosting, only add 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar. For a sweeter, thicker frosting, add closer to 1-3/4 cups. Gradually add desired amount of powdered sugar, beating between additions, until the frosting is smooth and creamy and to your desired consistency. Add a bit of milk if too thick.
- Frost the cooled cake evenly. If desired, top with chopped pecans.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yummy flavor and texture, but very small quantity of cake. Would adding 50% to the batter affect flavor/texture???
Yes it would; I’d recommend making 2 cakes instead 🙂
its so best and healthy. i love your idea.
Thank you!
Recipes looking good and delicious. I will be make it and test it. thanks for offer great taste.
Thank you!
This cake is so beautiful! I love it.
Thanks!
I love applesauce and this recipe enhanced my love for it even more. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!
Thanks Veronica!
I am impress and amaze in the instruction of making flourlesss cake. It is cheaper and affordable. Please share more recipe like this spice cake. It is unique and perfect to serve.
Chelsea, can’t wait to experiment with this new recipe! Thanks for sharing it!
You’re welcome! I hope you love it 🙂
Saw this recipe on Pinterest and decided to try it. It was amazingly moist and delicious. I take it for my morning break at work. Instead of the cream cheese I dollop yogurt over a nice hunk and its delicious. Trying to stay gluten free and so glad I found this healthy new recipe! Thanks
Yay!! I’m so glad to hear this! It sounds awesome with yogurt! I definitely need to try that! Thanks! 🙂
That healthy flourless applesauce spice cake looks absolutely fantastic. Beautiful photos, too. I look forward to trying this.
Ahh thank you so much! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
It was delicious! We made it to bring over to our friends’ house and it was a hit. I will definitely save this recipe to make it again. Look forward to trying out other recipes. 🙂
Yay!! I am so happy to hear this! So glad you guys enjoyed! 🙂