I love recipes where a simple cake mix does most of the work, and this applesauce Bundt cake is exactly that kind of recipe. With just a box of spice cake mix, applesauce and eggs, I can have a homemade cake in the oven in about five minutes.
What I especially like about this cake is how soft the applesauce keeps it and how much flavor you get from the spice cake mix without measuring a bunch of individual spices. A little powdered sugar on top is all it needs to look pretty enough to serve to guests - although I’m also perfectly happy eating a slice with my morning coffee!
Table of contents
Why I Love This Applesauce Bundt Cake
- Only three ingredients. Spice cake mix, applesauce and eggs are all you need for the cake batter.
- Soft and tender. The applesauce adds moisture without needing oil.
- Warm spice flavor. Using spice cake mix gives you cinnamon-spiced flavor without measuring several different spices.
- Looks impressive with almost no effort. A Bundt pan gives this simple cake a pretty shape, and I usually just add a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Perfect with coffee. This is the kind of simple cake I enjoy as much with morning coffee as I do for dessert.
Ingredients for Applesesauce Cake Recipe
1 box spice cake mix - Any standard boxed spice cake mix works well.
1 ½ cups applesauce - Unsweetened applesauce is recommended, but sweetened works if you prefer a sweeter cake.
3 large eggs - These provide structure and help the bundt cake hold its shape.
Instructions for Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a bundt pan very well with nonstick spray or butter and flour, making sure to coat all crevices to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Add the spice cake mix, applesauce, and eggs to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and fully combined. This can also be done with a wooden spoon or spatula. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all the dry mix is incorporated.
Step 3
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
Step 4
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a plate and allow it to cool completely before cutting and serving. I like to sprinkle optional powdered sugar on it so it looks a little fancy!
Susan's Helpful Tips
- Grease every nook and cranny. Bundt pans have lots of grooves where cake can stick, so I make sure the entire inside of the pan is well coated before adding the batter.
- Don't rush the cooling time. Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out. Removing it immediately makes it more likely to break apart.
- Check before you flip. If the cake looks like it's sticking around the edges, gently loosen those areas with a thin knife before inverting the pan.
- Give it a gentle tap. Once the pan is flipped onto your serving plate, a few light taps can help the cake release.
- Wait to add the powdered sugar. Let the cake cool completely before dusting it with powdered sugar so the sugar stays pretty instead of melting into the warm cake.
Variations for this Cake Mix and Applesauce Recipe
- Add chocolate chips for a chocolate applesauce bundt cake.
- Mix in chopped nuts for texture.
- Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a more finished look.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an easy, classic presentation.
How to Serve
- Serve this applesauce bundt cake at room temperature or slightly warm.
- It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This also makes a great brunch or casual dessert option.
How to Store
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
This recipe works best with eggs because they help the bundt cake hold its shape and release cleanly from the pan.
A standard 10 to 12 cup bundt pan works best for this recipe. Using a smaller pan may cause the batter to overflow while baking.
Bundt cakes can stick easily if the pan is not greased thoroughly. Make sure to coat all the grooves and edges with nonstick spray or butter and flour. Letting the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing also helps it release cleanly.
Yes, this recipe works well with other cake mix flavors like yellow cake mix, or even carrot cake mix. Keep in mind that spice cake gives the most classic applesauce cake flavor. If using a yellow cake mix, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon.
Yes, applesauce is commonly used as a substitute for oil in cake mix recipes. It helps keep the cake moist while reducing added fat, although the texture may be slightly lighter and less rich.
Apple Cake Recipe Using Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix Any standard boxed spice cake mix works well.
- 1 ½ cups applesauce Unsweetened applesauce is recommended but sweetened works if you prefer a sweeter cake.
- 3 large eggs These provide structure and help the bundt cake hold its shape.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a bundt pan very well with nonstick spray or butter and flour, making sure to coat all crevices to prevent sticking.
- Add the spice cake mix, applesauce, and eggs to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and fully combined. This can also be done with a wooden spoon or spatula. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all the dry mix is incorporated.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a plate and allow it to cool completely before cutting and serving. I like to sprinkle optional powdered sugar on it so it looks a little fancy!
Notes
Nutrition (estimate)
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