I absolutely adore this applesauce cake recipe because it perfectly marries the nostalgic comfort of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of applesauce, resulting in a delightfully moist and flavorful treat. Plus, the versatility of adding walnuts or raisins as a personal touch lets me customize it effortlessly, making it a go-to for both cozy nights in and impressive gatherings.
The warm, cozy flavors of my Apfelmuskuchen, a delightful German Applesauce Cake, are what I love. This cake, with its perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with unsweetened applesauce, is not only moist but also lower in fat.
Vegetable oil is the only oil, and Mr. Brown Sugar along with Mr.
Granulated Sugar makes this cake quite sweet, which is what I (and my family) like. Of course, my grandmother didn’t always have these ingredients back in the day.
When she made it, she would sometimes use walnuts and/or raisins. I prefer the cake sans nuts and dried fruit.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour:
Delivers carbohydrates for structure, yielding a tender crumb and cake structure.
Applesauce:
Augments moisture and natural sweetness, so you can use less fat and fewer added sugars and still maintain delectable flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar:
Makes the cake sweet and helps it brown.
Brown Sugar:
Depth and a hint of molasses flavor, while maintaining moisture.
Cinnamon:
Fills with warmth and spice, whose flavors complement those of the apple.
Vegetable Oil:
Delivers moisture and richness without being flavorful to the point of being intrusive.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) raisins
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan by greasing it.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices with a whisk. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Combine until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the applesauce mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredient mixture a little at a time, stirring just until everything is mixed and combined. Take care not to overmix.
6. If you’re using them, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the raisins gently and evenly throughout.
7. The batter should be poured into the baking pan that has been prepared, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. In the oven, preheated to the proper temperature, bake for 30-35 minutes, and when the time is right, check to see if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
9. Take the cake from the oven and permit it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes.
10. Place the cake on a wire rack and allow it to cool down entirely before you serve it to anyone. Apfelmuskuchen!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Hand or stand mixer (optional for beating eggs)
9. Spatula
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
FAQ
- Q: Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?Yes, sweetened applesauce can be used, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance the added sweetness.
- Q: What can I use as a substitute for vegetable oil?Coconut oil or canola oil can be used in the same amount as vegetable oil in this recipe; they will yield similar results.
- Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?Q: Can I convert this recipe to be gluten-free? If so, how?
- Q: Is it necessary to add the optional nuts or raisins?A: No, the nuts and raisins are not required. They can be left out if you prefer or have allergy concerns.
- Q: Can I reduce the sugar content in this recipe?Yes, you can cut the sugar by about ¼ cup without seriously compromising the texture, but it might mess with the taste a little.
- Q: How should I store the Apfelmuskuchen?A: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than 3 days. You may also chill it and keep it for up to a week.
Substitutions and Variations
All-purpose flour: Can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a denser texture or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option, maintaining the total weight equivalent to 210g.
Can vegetable oil be replaced with something else for a different flavor profile? Yes, you can replace it with equal amounts of melted coconut oil or melted butter.
Coconut sugar or light brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar, and you can keep the same measurement.
Coconut sugar or an equivalent amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses can be used instead of brown sugar.
Eggs: For a vegan option, substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Pro Tips
1. Spice It Up: For a more robust flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the existing cinnamon and nutmeg nicely.
2. Enhanced Moisture: If you want an even moister cake, substitute part of the oil with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will also add a slight tanginess that enhances the overall flavor.
3. Fruit Variations: Consider adding chopped fresh apples or dried cranberries instead of or in addition to the raisins for added texture and flavor complexity.
4. Nutty Crunch: Toast the walnuts or pecans before folding them into the batter. Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances their flavor, adding an extra layer of taste to the cake.
5. Decoration: After the cake has cooled, dust it lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or apple juice for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Apfelmuskuchen German Applesauce Cake Recipe
My favorite Apfelmuskuchen German Applesauce Cake Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Hand or stand mixer (optional for beating eggs)
9. Spatula
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) raisins
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan by greasing it.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices with a whisk. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Combine until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the applesauce mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredient mixture a little at a time, stirring just until everything is mixed and combined. Take care not to overmix.
6. If you’re using them, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the raisins gently and evenly throughout.
7. The batter should be poured into the baking pan that has been prepared, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. In the oven, preheated to the proper temperature, bake for 30-35 minutes, and when the time is right, check to see if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
9. Take the cake from the oven and permit it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes.
10. Place the cake on a wire rack and allow it to cool down entirely before you serve it to anyone. Apfelmuskuchen!
