Vegan Applesauce Cake Recipe for Moist, Easy Dessert

There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and warm spices wafting through your kitchen. If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s also plant-based, look no further than this vegan applesauce cake recipe.

This cake is delightfully moist, tender, and full of cozy flavors, making it a perfect treat for gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth any time of year.

Using applesauce as the star ingredient means this cake is naturally sweetened and extra moist, without any eggs or dairy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that jar of applesauce in your fridge!

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting to experiment with dairy-free desserts, you’ll find this recipe simple, rewarding, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of applesauce and warm spices results in a tender, aromatic crumb every time.
• Easy, One-Bowl Method: Minimal cleanup and simple steps make this cake perfect for beginners and busy bakers.
• Healthier Dessert Option: With whole wheat flour, less oil, and the natural sweetness of applesauce, this treat is lighter yet still indulgent.
• Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Free from eggs and dairy, and easily adaptable for nut-free or gluten-free needs.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to suit your cravings—or keep it classic and simple!
• Great for Sharing: This cake slices beautifully and travels well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Below, you’ll find a quick reference table for the main ingredients and their quantities:

For easy shopping and prep, here’s a list view:

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×9-inch square baking pan (or 8-inch round pan)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Wire cooling rack
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy cleanup, line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. Mix wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
3. Prepare dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using a spatula to fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake dense.
5. Add your mix-ins. If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
6. Transfer to the pan. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve. Once cooled, cut into squares or wedges. Enjoy as is or with your favorite vegan frosting or glaze!

Tips & Variations

• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the wheat flour. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Oil-Free Option: Replace the oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a lower-fat version. The cake will be slightly denser but still delicious.
• Extra Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of ground cloves for a spicier kick.
• Fruity Swaps: Mix in diced apples, pears, or dried cranberries instead of raisins for a twist.
• Frosting Ideas: Top with a simple vegan glaze (powdered sugar + plant milk), vegan cream cheese frosting, or dust with powdered sugar.
• Muffin Version: Scoop the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes for vegan applesauce muffins.

Baking Tip: For the moistest cake, don’t overbake. Start checking at 30 minutes and remove as soon as the center is set.

If you love easy, wholesome cakes, you might also enjoy my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another naturally sweet treat.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving, based on 12 slices and using walnuts but no chocolate chips or frosting:

Exact nutrition will vary based on mix-ins and flour choice. For a lower-calorie version, omit nuts and use applesauce instead of oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Simple & Classic: Enjoy a slice warm with a mug of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
• With Vegan Cream: Serve topped with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a spoonful of coconut yogurt.
• Frosted: For celebrations, spread with vegan cream cheese frosting or a maple glaze.
• For Breakfast: Pair with a smoothie or fruit salad for a sweet start to your day.
• Picnic-Ready: Pack up slices for a picnic or lunchbox treat—they travel beautifully!

Looking for more vegan baked goods? Try my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or explore Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegan applesauce cake is proof that plant-based baking can be easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying. With just a few wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a cake that’s moist, fragrant, and irresistible to vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is bound to become a new favorite in your repertoire.

Don’t hesitate to make the recipe your own—add your favorite spices, nuts, or fruits, and experiment with different flours. Baking is all about creativity and enjoying the process.

Have questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media!

And if you’re hungry for more plant-based recipes, check out my collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or browse through our latest vegan dessert creations. Happy baking!

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