Glazed Applesauce Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for an irresistibly moist and flavorful dessert to wow your loved ones, look no further than Glazed Applesauce Cake. This charming classic is full of warm spices, bursts with apple flavor, and finishes with a delightfully simple vanilla glaze that seeps into every crumb. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy fall evening, or simply want to treat yourself, this cake brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Get ready to fall in love with a cake that’s both comfortingly old-fashioned and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Glazed Applesauce Cake plays its part, from the aromatic spices to the sweet, fruity applesauce and the crunchy nuts. Don’t worry, nothing here is hard to find—these pantry staples come together in a cake that feels both homey and extra special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for your cake, making each slice satisfyingly tender.
- Baking soda: Gives the cake its lift and helps create an airy crumb.
- Baking powder: Works hand-in-hand with baking soda for perfect, even rise.
- Salt: Intensifies all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of any good applesauce cake, adding warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings a gentle, woodsy spice note that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Ground cloves: Just a hint delivers a cozy aroma that makes this cake unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender crumb and unbeatable flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps structure the crumb.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Contributes moisture and light caramel notes.
- Eggs (large): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient, making this cake ultra-moist and fruity.
- Vanilla extract: Unifies the flavors and adds those beloved bakery vibes.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and nutty depth—totally your choice!
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Forms the sweet, snowy glaze on top.
- Milk (for the glaze): Thins out the glaze so it drizzles perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Infuses every bite with that classic cake shop aroma.
How to Make Glazed Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your baking dish ready—either a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt pan works great! Generously grease and flour your pan so nothing sticks and every slice looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 2: Sift and Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures your spices are perfectly distributed and your cake will bake up nice and even with just the right loft and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until pale and fluffy. This extra minute or two of mixing aerates the batter wonderfully and helps ensure a tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Applesauce, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each incorporate fully before adding the next. Then swirl in your applesauce and vanilla extract—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly about now!
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Gradually mix in your dry ingredient mixture just until combined. Don’t overmix! If you like nuts in your cake, fold them in now. The batter will be thick and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and your house will smell like autumn dreams.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool completely in the pan—don’t rush this part! Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle all over the cooled cake and wait a few minutes for it to set. Now comes the best part—slice and dig in!
How to Serve Glazed Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Glazed Applesauce Cake with a flourish of freshly grated nutmeg, a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, or even a handful of thin apple slices for show-stopping good looks. Each touch adds charm and a hint about all the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake is pure comfort on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a tart dollop of crème fraîche. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai turns any slice into an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Glazed Applesauce Cake into party-ready squares, layer slices with custard for a trifle, or serve individual mini bundts for easy portioning. For brunch, try toasting thin slices and spreading them with a bit of apple butter or honey. There are so many playful ways to share this spicy classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and tasty on the counter for up to 3 days (though good luck making it last that long — it disappears fast at my house!).
Freezing
Glazed Applesauce Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole (unglazed) cake tightly in plastic and then foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature, then glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. If you’ve already glazed the cake, just keep an eye out so the glaze doesn’t melt away—warm but not hot is perfect.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Absolutely! Just know that your cake will come out a touch sweeter, so you might want to slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the batter if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
How do I keep the cake extra moist?
The applesauce does a ton of heavy lifting here, but be careful not to overbake. Pull it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean, and keep it well-wrapped at room temperature for the best texture.
Which nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts and pecans are both delicious choices for Glazed Applesauce Cake. Pecans add buttery crunch, while walnuts lend a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness—choose whichever fits your taste!
Can I bake this cake in advance?
Yes, in fact, Glazed Applesauce Cake often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld and the crumb stays plush and soft. Bake a day ahead and glaze before serving for a showstopping finish.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy free?
You can! Swap the butter for a non-dairy alternative and use your favorite plant-based milk for the glaze. The cake will still be scrumptiously moist and full of that signature spiced apple flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cake that’s easy to love, fun to make, and always the first slice to disappear at any gathering, you absolutely have to try Glazed Applesauce Cake. No matter how you serve it, each bite is warm, spiced, and full of homemade charm. I can’t wait for you and your favorite people to enjoy this delicious little piece of nostalgia!
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Glazed Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Glazed Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that is perfect for fall. The spiced cake is made with applesauce, topped with a sweet glaze, and can be enjoyed any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, add eggs, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 35-40 minutes until done.
- Glaze: Whisk together glaze ingredients, drizzle over cooled cake.
- Serve: Allow glaze to set, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter.
- This cake stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
