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Applesauce Bundt cake on a cake stand.

Applesauce Bundt Cake with Spiced Sugar Topping

Julie Hession
This Bundt will make it smell (and taste!) like fall in your kitchen, even if it's baked in the middle of July. In addition to unsweetened applesauce in the batter, grated fresh apples add natural sweetness while keeping the texture extra moist. A spiced sugar sprinkle on top brings a little crunch along with a beautiful, sparkly presentation!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 259 kcal
5 from 3 votes
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Equipment

  • 1 Minimum 10 cup Bundt pan
  • 1 pastry brush
  • Nonstick baking spray (see FAQ section in post for my favorites)
  • 1 box grater (optional)

Ingredients
 
 

Applesauce Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1½ cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup coarsely grated apple (unpeeled), measured after liquid squeezed out (see Notes)

Spiced Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Make Applesauce Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃.) Spray a minimum 10-cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until very light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in applesauce until well blended. Don't worry if the batter looks slightly curdled at this point.
  • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in three additions, beating until incorporated.
  • Using a spatula, fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 55 minutes or until the cake is puffed and golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert the cake on to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes more before adding the topping.

Spiced Sugar Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Using a pastry brush, brush melted butter over the warm cake and sprinkle it evenly with the spiced sugar topping.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • To remove the liquid from the apples, using your hands, gently squeeze sections of the grated apple over a bowl or sink. 
  • You can prepare the cake up to 3 days in advance.  Store in a cake container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.  To warm, heat for a few seconds in the microwave or wrapped in foil in a 300F / 150C oven. 

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
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