This Paula Deen Applesauce Cake is a moist and spiced recipe, which is made with chilled applesauce and walnuts. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.
Paula Deen Applesauce Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup chilled applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
How To Make Paula Deen Applesauce Cake
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter together until creamy.
- Add Applesauce: Add the chilled applesauce to the butter mixture and beat well.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
- Bake the Cake: Spoon the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of applesauce is best for this cake? Unsweetened applesauce is generally best for baking as it allows you to control the total sugar content of the cake. However, sweetened applesauce will also work; just be aware that the final cake will be sweeter.
- Can I make this cake without nuts or raisins? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or raisins, you can simply omit them. The cake will still be moist and delicious on its own.
- How do I know when the cake is done? The most reliable test is to insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs attached, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time.
- Does this cake need frosting? This cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful enough to be served on its own, especially when warm. However, it is also delicious with a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
What To Serve With Applesauce Cake
This simple, rustic cake is a perfect afternoon treat or a comforting dessert.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce.
- A hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced apple cider.
How To Store Applesauce Cake
- Room Temperature: Let the cake cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Applesauce Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 30g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. You can bake this in a 9-inch round pan, but the cake will be thinner, so you should start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. It can also be baked in a loaf pan, but it may require a longer baking time.
This can happen if the cake is overbaked. Be sure to check it with a toothpick at the 40-minute mark. Over-measuring the flour can also lead to a dry cake; be sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Yes! A pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice would be a wonderful addition to the cinnamon and cloves to enhance the warm spice flavor.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Paula Deen Elvis Presley Cake Recipe
- Paula Deen Chocolate Cake Recipe

Paula Deen Applesauce Cake Recipe
Description
A classic, moist applesauce spice cake studded with crunchy walnuts and sweet raisins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the applesauce.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and spices until just combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For the most tender cake, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Using chilled applesauce, as the recipe specifies, helps keep the butter in the creamed mixture firm, which can contribute to a better cake texture.
- This cake is very moist and keeps well, making it a great option to bake a day in advance.
- For an extra touch, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping and adding them to the batter.