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Unsweetened applesauce and oil make a single-layer cake in a 9-by-13-inch pan. This version is unfrosted and distinct from the cream-cheese-frosted spice cake.
Ingredients and measurements
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation and cooking
- Stage 1
Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Whisk applesauce, sugar and oil, then add eggs one at a time and vanilla.
- Stage 2
Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt separately. Fold into the wet mixture only until dry streaks disappear.
- Stage 3
Spread evenly in the pan. Bake about thirty to thirty-five minutes, extending as needed until the center is set and a tester has no raw batter.
- Stage 4
Cool in the pan before cutting. Cover only after steam has escaped so condensation does not wet the surface.
Use unsweetened plain applesauce for the listed sugar balance. Chunky or sweetened products change the texture or sweetness.
Which applesauce?
Once flour is wet, extra mixing can make the cake less tender. Scrape the bowl to incorporate hidden flour instead.
Why avoid overmixing?
Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly in shallow containers at 40°F or below, within two hours or one hour above 90°F. Reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F; keep cold dishes chilled.
Storage and serving
For more recipes to serve alongside, see healthy cowboy caviar salad or chicken buttered noodles. Use that recipe’s own quantities rather than mixing formulas.
This is an editorial revision of the archived formula with clarified preparation and original troubleshooting notes. A Pinch Of Lemon has not kitchen-tested this version. The linked reference supports food-safety guidance only, not the entire recipe. Photographs are illustrative. Reference: FoodSafety.gov cooking-temperature guidance.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- Which applesauce?
Use unsweetened plain applesauce for the listed sugar balance. Chunky or sweetened products change the texture or sweetness.
- Why avoid overmixing?
Once flour is wet, extra mixing can make the cake less tender. Scrape the bowl to incorporate hidden flour instead.