Applesauce cake is a delightful, moist dessert that blends the sweetness of apples with the rich, comforting flavors of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed year-round but is especially comforting during the fall. This cake is easy to make, requiring basic ingredients and offering a wholesome alternative to more decadent desserts.

Storing and Preserving Applesauce Cake

To Keep Fresh:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is ideal for short-term storage and maintaining the cake’s moisture without altering its texture.

Refrigerate: If you need to store the cake for up to a week, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This method is particularly useful if your cake has frosting, especially cream cheese frosting, which requires refrigeration.
Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Applesauce cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

To Preserve Flavor and Moisture:

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the cake soggy.
Airtight Container: Use airtight containers to prevent the cake from absorbing odors from the refrigerator or becoming stale in the pantry.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Cake is Too Dry:

Overbaking: One of the most common reasons for a dry cake. Next time, check the cake a few minutes before the recipe’s stated baking time.
Measurement Error: Too much flour or not enough applesauce can lead to a dry cake. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately.

Cake is Too Dense:

Overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Expired Leavening Agent: Ensure your baking powder or baking soda is not expired. Old leavening agents lose their effectiveness and won’t aerate the batter properly.

Cake Sticks to the Pan:

Improper Pan Preparation: Always grease your pan and line it with parchment paper if necessary. This will make removing the cake easier.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove it. Trying to remove the cake too soon can cause it to break apart.

Frosting Issues:

Too Runny: If your frosting is too runny, it might be due to over-softened butter or cream cheese. Chill it for a bit in the refrigerator, then beat again.
Too Stiff: If the frosting is too stiff, add a little milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Uneven Baking:

Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and preheated. An oven thermometer can help verify the accuracy of your oven’s temperature setting.
Pan Placement: Place the cake pan in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door frequently as it can lead to temperature fluctuations.

By addressing these common mistakes and following the storage and preservation tips, you’ll enhance the enjoyment and longevity of your applesauce cake.

FAQs about Applesauce Cake

1. Can I make applesauce cake vegan?
Yes, it can easily be made vegan by substituting any dairy ingredients with their plant-based counterparts and ensuring your applesauce is unsweetened and natural.

2. How can I make my applesauce cake more moist?
Ensure not to overbake it and use a generous amount of applesauce. Overbaking is the most common reason cakes dry out.

3. Can I freeze applesauce cake?
Yes, applesauce cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

4. What type of frosting goes well with applesauce cake?
Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced, moist crumb of applesauce cake.

5. Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Absolutely, store-bought applesauce, especially the unsweetened kind, works perfectly well for this cake.

6. How do I know when my applesauce cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done.

Conclusion

Applesauce cake is a testament to the beauty of simple, flavorful baking. Its moist crumb, infused with the gentle sweetness of apples and the aromatic presence of spices, makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this cake promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to your dessert table.

Applesauce Cake

Author: Ashley

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup white sugar
½ cup butter
1 cup chilled applesauce

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until creamy. Add applesauce and continue to beat well. Gently stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves until just combined. Fold in walnuts and raisins, then spoon the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, which should take about 40 minutes. Serve the cake warm for a delicious treat. Enjoy your homemade Applesauce Cake!

Notes

Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all your ingredients, especially perishables like eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a bit of ginger or allspice can create a deeper flavor profile.
Pan Preparation: Grease your cake pan well and consider lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

Serving Suggestion: While delicious on its own, serving applesauce cake slightly warmed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert experience.