Picture the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you bake this delightful Applesauce Coffee Cake.
It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s easy to whip up, making it a beloved favorite for cozy afternoons.
As the applesauce, spices, and walnuts combine in the oven, they transform into a moist, flavorful cake that feels like a warm hug.
Ready to bring this delicious creation to life? Let’s get started!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 9-inch baking pan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Applesauce Coffee Cake, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan.
- Baking (40 minutes)
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Resting & Cooling (10 minutes)
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Transfer the cake to a cooling rack.
- Finishing Touch (2 minutes)
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can add a light and creamy contrast to the cake’s spiced flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside the warm cake for a delightful hot-and-cold dessert experience.
- Fresh Berries: Sprinkle some fresh berries on top for a pop of color and a revitalizing tartness.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the cake’s sweetness and add a rich, buttery note.
- Spiced Tea or Coffee: Pair the cake with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy and aromatic treat.
Storage
To store applesauce coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze applesauce coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat applesauce coffee cake, warm individual slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes for even heating.
Final Thoughts
The Applesauce Coffee Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nuts.
Its preparation is simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal equipment.
The use of unsweetened applesauce guarantees the cake is moist and not overly sweet.
Adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the taste further.
Enjoy this cake as a cozy treat with your favorite beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sweetened Applesauce Instead of Unsweetened?
You can substitute sweetened applesauce for unsweetened, but reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup to avoid excessive sweetness. This alteration maintains balance, ensuring the coffee cake’s flavor profile stays harmonious and not overly sugary.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted butter or coconut oil. Verify the butter is unsalted and cooled before mixing. For a healthier option, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce in place of oil.
How Do I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend. Make certain it’s a blend with xanthan gum for structure. Whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. Follow the remaining instructions as written for a delicious gluten-free cake.
Can I Add Other Spices for Flavor Variation?
You can certainly add other spices for flavor variation. Consider incorporating 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. Make sure you adjust other ingredients accordingly to maintain balance. Always taste test before baking for best results.
What Is the Best Way to Chop Walnuts for This Recipe?
For precise walnut chopping, use a sharp chef’s knife. Aim for 1/4-inch pieces by slicing lengthwise first, then crosswise. Guarantee uniformity for even distribution in the batter. Alternatively, a food processor can achieve similar results, but watch carefully.
Applesauce Coffee Cake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 9-inch baking pan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
