Cinnamon Spice Vegan Applesauce Cake
Indulge in the delightful warmth of our Cinnamon Spice Vegan Applesauce Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Inspired by traditional apple treats, this cake is infused with aromatic spices and sweetened with rich brown sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Each bite is a comforting embrace of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, complemented by chewy raisins and crunchy walnuts. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enhance the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This vegan-friendly dessert is not only eggless and dairy-free, but it's also sure to be a hit among family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (Sifted)
Baking soda
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Firmly packed)
Oil
1/2 cup (N/A)
Applesauce
1 1/2 cups (Unsweetened)
Raisins
1 cup (N/A)
Chopped walnuts
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the firmly packed brown sugar and oil together at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and blended.
4
Add the applesauce to the sugar-oil mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
5
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting it into squares.
10
Serve the cake plain, or for a special touch, dust it with powdered sugar or top it with whipped coconut cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnamon Spice Vegan Applesauce Cake?
It is a moist, flavorful vegan dessert made with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, sweetened with brown sugar and applesauce.
Is this applesauce cake recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as it contains no eggs, dairy, or animal-derived ingredients.
Is this cake dairy-free?
Yes, it is dairy-free, using oil instead of butter and requiring no milk.
Is this recipe eggless?
Yes, it is eggless; the combination of applesauce and oil provides the necessary moisture and binding.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
What size pan is needed for this cake?
This recipe is designed for a 9-inch square baking pan.
How long does it take to bake?
The cake typically bakes in 20 to 25 minutes.
What type of applesauce should I use?
Unsweetened applesauce is recommended to maintain the correct sweetness balance.
What spices are in this cake?
The cake features ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, you can leave out the walnuts if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free cake.
Can I replace the walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely; chopped pecans or almonds would be excellent substitutes.
Do I have to include raisins?
No, the raisins are optional, though they add a nice chewy texture and sweetness.
What can I substitute for raisins?
Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even vegan chocolate chips can be used instead.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when it is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Can I freeze this applesauce cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What should I serve with this cake?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla vegan ice cream, whipped coconut cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but using 100% whole wheat flour may result in a denser, heavier texture.
Should I sift the flour?
The recipe suggests using sifted all-purpose flour for a lighter cake texture.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and deep molasses-like flavor.
Is this cake considered a healthy snack?
While it contains fruit and nuts, it is still a dessert; however, it is a great vegan-friendly snack option.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil will work well.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Why did my cake come out dry?
Dryness can be caused by overbaking or measuring the flour too heavily; ensure you don't bake past the point where a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I add a glaze to this cake?
Yes, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of almond milk or lemon juice would be delicious.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, raisins, and walnuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch pan, though you will need to adjust the baking time.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, this cake can be easily mixed by hand or with a standard electric hand mixer.
Is this cake spicy hot?
No, 'spice' refers to the warm, aromatic baking spices like cinnamon, not heat-based spice.
Can I serve the cake warm?
Yes, serving it warm enhances the aromatic spice flavors and makes it a very comforting treat.