I’m letting you in on a very sweet family secret. The moment that crisp air hits and I spot the first rogue pumpkin at the grocery store, this cake magically appears on our counter. My kids have officially dubbed it “Fall Cake,” and honestly, I couldn’t have come up with a better name myself.

This beauty is a total pantry hero. There is no peeling fresh fruit or hunting down fancy, obscure ingredients because the beauty of this is that it is made with staples that you already have. It’s the ultimate zero-stress bake!

It freezes beautifully and slices up perfectly for everything from impromptu visits, afternoon tea, or that secret, just-one-more-bite moment after dinner. The recipe itself is as flexible as it is forgiving. You can use all-purpose or gluten-free flour, OR whatever milk is chilling in your fridge.

Every baker needs a house cake, that one signature bake you can rely on, and that makes your kitchen smell like home. This has become my family’s forever cake, and I am so excited for it to become yours, too!

😍 Why You’ll Love my Applesauce House Cake

This cake tastes exactly like the best parts of your childhood kitchen. The applesauce makes it incredibly moist and tender and totally delish.   It’s the kind of cake I want for my afternoon couch snack with my cup of tea. 

I am a big fan of a high-impact recipe with low effort. And this cake is a zero-stress bake because it calls for ingredients you almost for sure have on hand. No waiting for butter to soften, no fresh fruit to prep. Just simple staples, a quick mix, and your kitchen will magically smell like awarm and cozy fall day. Really couldn’t be easier.

🗒️ Ingredients

Unsweetened Applesauce-  Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.

Granulated Sugar- Provides sweetness and helps create a balanced flavor while contributing to the golden color of the bake.

Vegetable Oil- Keeps the texture rich and moist. 

Large eggs- Bind the ingredients together and add structure, helping the bake rise evenly and maintain a fluffy interior.

Vanilla Extract- Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth and sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

Unsweetened Almond Milk- Adds a bit of lightness and moisture.  You can use any type of milk that you have on hand though!

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour- Serves as the base of the recipe, providing structure. You can also use regular All Purpose flour if you prefer.

Baking Soda- Works with the applesauce’s natural acidity to help the batter rise.

Baking Powder- Adds extra lift and softness, ensuring a tender crumb.

Ground Cinnamon- Brings cozy, classic warmth.

Ground Nutmeg- Adds depth with its sweet, slightly nutty aroma.

Kosher Salt- Enhances all the flavors.

Ground Ginger- Provides a subtle kick and brightness that balances the sweetness.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Applesauce House Cake

🔥  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 

🍎 Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

🥣  Combine the Applesauce, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Eggs, and Milk in a large bowl; beat well. 

🥄 Sift in Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, and Salt; stir until smooth. Fold in pecans. 

✨ Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.

⏲️ Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 55-60 minutes. 

🥳 Enjoy!

🤲 Substitutions/Add-ins

You can substitute the Almond milk for Regular Milk 

You can substitute the GF Flour for Regular AP Flour

Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for great flavor

Add raisins or shredded coconut for added flavor

📓 Best served with

A cup of afternoon tea

As part of your breakfast table spread

Add a little apple butter or flaky seasalt

👝 How to Store Leftover  Applesauce House Cake

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This bread also freezes beautifully so if you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.

🧠 Commonly Asked Questions