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Moist applesauce snack cake slice on a white plate dusted with cinnamon and topped with a walnut.

Best Applesauce Snack Cake Soft Moist Everyday Treat - Simple, Cozy Baking

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Classic
Servings 9 Squares

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups
  • Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup
  • Light brown sugar – 1/4 cup, packed
  • Baking powder – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Unsweetened applesauce – 1 1/2 cups
  • Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive) – 1/2 cup
  • Large eggs – 2, at room temperature
  • Vanilla extract – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup raisins, or 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Optional topping: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan and oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch square pan or line it with parchment for easy removal.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until no lumps remain.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
  • Bring it together: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and silky. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in extras (optional): Gently fold in nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips. Keep the batter light.
  • Pan and top: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a light crunch.
  • Bake: Bake for 28–35 minutes, until the top springs back and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes. This helps it set and slice cleanly.
  • Finish and serve: Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Cut into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature.