One-Bowl Applesauce Cake Recipe

Craving a cozy, spiced dessert that’s quick to make and easy to clean up? My One-Bowl Applesauce Cake is your go-to recipe.

Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a silky cinnamon glaze, this cake comes together with just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples.

It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or anytime you need a comforting treat without the fuss.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this no-fuss applesauce cake is a must-try. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the subtle sweetness of applesauce, every bite is rich, moist, and deeply flavorful. And the best part? No mixer required!

Ingredients List

For the Cake

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for texture)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this applesauce cake, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just simple tools you likely already have in your kitchen:

1. Large Mixing Bowl – One bowl is all you need to mix everything together, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
2. Whisk or Spoon – A sturdy whisk or mixing spoon will help you bring the batter together smoothly.
3. Loaf Pan (8½ x 4½-inch) – The ideal size to bake this cake evenly and keep it nice and moist.
4. Cooling Rack – Allows your cake to cool completely before glazing so the icing doesn’t melt off.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measuring is key to baking success.

Mixing the Batter & Baking the Cake

Making this cake is as simple as it gets—no stand mixer, no separate bowls, and no complicated steps. Just grab your ingredients, a whisk or spoon, and let’s get baking.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan, or use a nonstick baking spray with flour. Set it aside while you make the batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly creamy. This forms the moist base of your cake.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger directly over the wet mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Next, add the flour and gently fold it in with a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to over-mix—stop as soon as the flour disappears into the batter. Over-mixing can lead to a dense or tough cake.

Step 4: Fold in the Walnuts

Gently stir in the chopped walnuts. They add a perfect nutty crunch that balances the soft texture of the cake. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out or replace them with raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pro tip: Start checking around the 50-minute mark. Every oven bakes a little differently, and you don’t want to overbake—it’ll dry out the cake.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then, unmold it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. A fully cooled cake ensures the glaze sets beautifully instead of melting into the surface.

Making the Cinnamon Glaze & Decorating

Once your applesauce cake has completely cooled, it’s time to make the glaze—the sweet finishing touch that takes this simple loaf to bakery-level status. The glaze is silky, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet to complement the warm, cozy flavors in the cake.

Step 1: Mix the Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the following:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream (start with 2; add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth and thick, yet pourable. The glaze should coat a spoon but still drizzle off easily.

Adjusting consistency:

• If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or cream 1 teaspoon at a time until it thins to your liking.
• If the glaze is too runny, add more confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up.

Step 2: Glaze the Cake

Once your cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or small spatula. Let the glaze run down the sides naturally for that beautiful, rustic look.

Optional: For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg on top while the glaze is still wet.

Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This moist and spiced applesauce cake is a versatile treat that’s just as good with your morning coffee as it is for dessert.

Here are some serving ideas to make the most of every slice:

• Warm it up: A quick 10-second zap in the microwave makes each slice taste like it just came out of the oven.
• Add a dollop: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
• Pair with tea or coffee: The cozy spices make this cake an ideal companion for chai, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or classic black tea.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Applesauce Cake

To keep the cake fresh and moist:

• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent spoilage. It will keep well for up to 1 week in the fridge—just bring it to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Applesauce Cake?

Absolutely! This cake freezes beautifully:

1. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag.
2. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature before eating or reheating.

Final Tips for Success

• Use unsweetened applesauce for best results—you’ll have full control over the sweetness of the cake.
• Don’t over-mix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze. If it’s even slightly warm, the glaze will melt right off.
• Spice it your way: Feel free to adjust the spice blend. Love cinnamon? Add more! Prefer less clove? Scale it back.

Conclusion

This One-Bowl Applesauce Cake is proof that simple ingredients and a no-fuss method can still produce rich, cozy flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, a last-minute gathering, or just because you’re craving something homemade, this cake delivers every time.

With minimal cleanup, warm spices, and a dreamy glaze, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So grab your bowl, mix it up, and enjoy a slice of homemade comfort.