German Applesauce Cake Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

There’s something truly comforting about a slice of German applesauce cake — a moist, spiced treat that perfectly balances the natural sweetness and tartness of apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. This traditional recipe has been a staple in German households for generations, cherished for its simplicity and rich flavor profile.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon coffee break or a festive occasion, this cake never fails to impress. The secret lies in using fresh applesauce, which not only keeps the cake incredibly moist but also adds a subtle fruity depth that pairs beautifully with the spices.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that yields a wonderfully soft and flavorful cake. You’ll also find helpful tips for perfecting the texture and flavor, plus some delicious serving ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this classic German favorite that’s sure to become a household staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German applesauce cake recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and common pantry ingredients, yet delivers a cake that is moist, tender, and wonderfully spiced.

The use of applesauce not only enhances moisture but also adds a natural sweetness, meaning you can reduce the amount of sugar without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. You can easily tweak the spices to your preference or add nuts and raisins for extra texture.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover applesauce you might have. Best of all, this cake freezes well, so you can enjoy a slice any time you want!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least one large bowl)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8 inch square pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. In a large bowl, beat the sugars and oil together until well combined. If using butter, make sure it’s melted but not hot.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps create a light and fluffy texture.
5. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter will start to look quite moist — this is what makes the cake so tender.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir just until the flour disappears; overmixing can make the cake heavy.
7. If using nuts, gently fold them in now for added crunch and flavor.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking at 35 minutes.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps the cake set.
11. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired for a pretty finish.

Tips & Variations

“For a more intense apple flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of finely chopped peeled apples to the batter!”

Here are some ways to customize your German applesauce cake:

• Spice it up: Increase the cinnamon to 3 teaspoons or add a pinch of ground ginger for a warming twist.
• Nutty delight: Toast walnuts or pecans before folding them in to deepen their flavor.
• Raisin or dried fruit addition: Add 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped dried cranberries for a chewy surprise.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but keep an eye on moisture levels.
• Frosting ideas: Top with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

German applesauce cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a classic presentation, serve it as is with a cup of strong coffee or tea.

If you want to get a bit more decadent, pair your slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For breakfast or brunch, try serving it alongside some fresh fruit or a smear of cream cheese. This cake also pairs beautifully with warm mulled wine or apple cider during fall and winter gatherings.

Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Conclusion

This German applesauce cake is a timeless recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of apples with the warmth of traditional spices. It’s perfect for those who love a moist, flavorful cake that’s easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you can whip up this delicious cake without any fuss, enjoying the comforting aroma and taste of home. Don’t forget to explore other wonderful recipes on the blog for more baking inspiration and delightful treats!

For more delicious baking ideas, you might enjoy Classic German Chocolate Cake, Easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe, or Homemade Apple Strudel.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “German Applesauce Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A moist and flavorful cake made with applesauce, cinnamon, and nuts. Perfect as a comforting dessert or snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT50M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H10M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “2 large eggs”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce”, “1/2 cup chopped walnuts”, “1/2 cup raisins (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add applesauce to the wet mixture and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in walnuts and raisins if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}