Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake

This delicious Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake is a simple, moist dessert perfect for any occasion. With a creamy maple butter frosting and a hint of apple pie spice, it’s a quick treat that’s easy to make using common ingredients. Add walnuts for extra crunch or enjoy it as is!

Ingredients Needed

For the Cake:

• Nonstick baking spray with flour (for greasing the pan)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, plus more for garnish)

For the Frosting:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

How To Make Applesauce Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray that contains flour.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, apple pie spice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 ½ hours.
4. Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, brown the butter. Melt it in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the foam and butter underneath turn golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Let it cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours).
5. Prepare the Frosting: Once the butter has cooled, beat it with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
6. Frost the Cake: Spread the cooled frosting over the top of the cake. If desired, garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
7. Serve: Slice and serve, or cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Use chunky applesauce: For extra flavor and texture, choose chunky applesauce over smooth. It adds more richness to the cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely to avoid melting the frosting when applied.
• Brown the butter carefully: When browning the butter for the frosting, watch it closely to prevent burning. The golden color adds depth to the flavor.
• Toast the walnuts: If using walnuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the cake or using them as a garnish.

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers applesauce cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap leftovers applesauce cake in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag or container. It will last for 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 396
• Total Fat: 13.27 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 94.2 mg
• Potassium: 27.4 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 69.38 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 12.7 g
• Protein: 2.79 g

Try More Mary Berry Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Lemon Pound Cake
• Pioneer Woman Lemon Lime Pound Cake
• Pioneer Woman Blueberry Coffee Cake
• Pioneer Woman German Chocolate Cake Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe