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Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.
applesauce cake recipe With Caramel Apple Swirl Icing
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy applesauce cake with caramel apple swirl icing is a delightful, family-friendly dessert perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It offers a quick, wholesome treat with warm spices and rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 0.25 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple butter or pureed apple
Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan; the coating should appear even and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture looks uniform and light.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the large eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined, typically within 3 minutes.
- Combine & Bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; visible streaks of flour should disappear but avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. This should take around 2 minutes.
- Bake Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed. (If your cake looks dry early, your oven might be running hot; reduce temperature by 25°F next time.)
- Prepare Caramel Apple Swirl Icing: While the cake cools, prepare the luxurious Caramel Apple Swirl Icing. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and melted butter until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Gently swirl in the caramel sauce and apple butter; do not fully combine, letting the distinct flavors marble. This process should take about 5 minutes.
- Ice & Serve: Ensure the cake is completely cool to the touch (this is crucial to prevent the icing from melting). Evenly spread the Caramel Apple Swirl Icing over the top. Allow it to set for about 5 minutes before slicing and enjoying this delightful applesauce cake recipe.
Notes
Never overmix the batter; mix only until flour streaks disappear to ensure a tender cake. For perfect Caramel Apple Swirl Icing, ensure the cake is completely cool before icing to prevent melting. Streamline baking by pre-measuring ingredients. Using a stand mixer speeds up batter mixing. Consider using organic applesauce, high-quality natural caramel sauce, and freshly grated nutmeg for enhanced flavor. Gluten-free option: use a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For reduced sugar, adjust granulated sugar or use monk fruit sweetener, and always use unsweetened applesauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100 g)
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg