Name: Homemade Applesauce Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large egg yolks (room temperature); 2 cups cake/pastry flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 pinch salt*; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup thick applesauce** homemade or storebought; 2 large apples ((peeled and chopped)); 1 tablespoon water; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; ½ tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ¼ cup all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter ((cold))

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Homemade Applesauce Cake is more than just a simple Apple Cake. So moist, it’s made with homemade applesauce, a touch of cinnamon and a delicious brown sugar and cinnamon crumb topping. The perfect breakfast, snack or dessert Cake.

From all those years ago when I first set foot in Italy to today, I have to say my taste in food has changed quite a bit.

Oh yes I still love bagels, Macaroni and Cheese and of course a really good Layer Cake. But I have also discovered how delicious fresh vegetables can be with just a little salt and olive oil.

And desserts, Italians love dessert, but no fancy frostings or Icings, usually just a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar.

That is probably why I think this Homemade Apple Cake is one of the best cakes I have ever made!

Recipe Ingredients

Butter – I use salted butter
Brown sugar – light brown sugar
Eggs – large room temperature
Flour – cake/pastry flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon – ground cinnamon
Applesauce – homemade or store bought

Crumb Topping

Brown sugar
Flour – all purpose or cake flour
Cinnamon
Butter

How to Make Cake Flour

For every cup of all purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of corn starch. Be sure to sift the flour and cornstarch together a couple of times, this way it is sure to be properly combined and lump free. Cake flour in cakes will give you a very tender texture and fine crumb, it will also help the cake to rise.

Why use room temperature ingredients?

When at room temperature, eggs, butter, and other dairy ingredients form an emulsion which traps air. While baking in the oven, that trapped air expands and produces a fluffy baked good. So be sure to remove the ingredients from the fridge 45-60 minutes before baking.

How to make an Applesauce Cake

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar, then add the egg yolks and combine well.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the applesauce.

how to make applesauce cake unbaked in the pan, raw apples, cooked apples

Pour into prepared cake or bundt pan, sprinkle with crumb topping and bake until done. Let cool before serving.

What is a bundt cake

A Bundt cake is a cake that is shaped basically like a donut, a cake with a hole in the middle. The shape is inspired by a traditional European cake known as Gugelhupf, but Bundt cakes are not associated with any particular recipe. Pretty well any cake can be made in a bundt pan. If your cake sometimes doesn’t bake on the inside, then try baking it in a bundt pan, this will help it bake up perfect.

Tips for making this Applesauce Cake

You are going to need a thick applesauce but the best way is make your own (my recipe included).
Cream the butter, sugar and yolks.
Add the dry ingredients with the applesauce alternately to the creamed mixture.
Use a 8 or 9 inch bundt pan. (cake pan works good too)
Don’t forget the crumb topping

What are the best apples for baking?

You are going to want an apple that doesn’t become mushy while baking, these are the perfect choice. Northern Spy, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Gala, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Golden Delicious apples. I usually reach for Gala apples.

When I make my own applesauce I usually use the same 2 or 3 varieties. Fuji, Yellow Delicious or Gala. If the first 2 aren’t available then I will go for the Gala apples.

I like the taste and the fact that they are quite firm apples. If you have another favourite that you use than by all means use them.

How to store the Applesauce Cake

The cake should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry area for up to 1-2 days. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

If your house is quite warm, then it is always advised to store in the fridge. The cake should be removed from the fridge an hour before serving to let it come to room temperature.

The cake can also be frozen in a freezer safe container, it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

This Homemade Applesauce Cake is the perfect Breakfast, Snack or even Dessert Cake. Enjoy!