Chocolate applesauce cake is the ultimate hidden-gem dessert. It doesn’t need layers, frosting, or even much fuss—yet it hits all the marks: rich cocoa flavor, moist crumb, and a naturally sweet finish thanks to applesauce. It’s the kind of cake that flies under the radar but becomes a household favorite after just one bite.
This cake has a story to tell. It dates back to the days when bakers needed to stretch ingredients, and applesauce was the secret weapon to make cakes moist without extra butter or eggs. Today, it still works like magic—light, rich, and deeply chocolaty without being too sweet.
It’s the perfect everyday chocolate cake. No fancy layers, no need for a mixer. Everything comes together in a single bowl, and the result is a humble, honest cake that’s soft, satisfying, and endlessly snackable. Great for school lunches, potlucks, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday.
The applesauce not only adds moisture but also lightens up the texture, making it tender without feeling heavy. A touch of cinnamon gives it a warm, subtle spice that enhances the chocolate in a way that feels just right.
And the best part? It holds up beautifully for days. In fact, it might even taste better the day after baking. Just cover it and store at room temperature, and you’ve got a dessert that’s always ready to please.
Serve it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or add a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. However you slice it, this is one of those simple bakes that punches above its weight.
Servings: 12 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add oil, sugar, applesauce, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- For deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich chocolate flavor with minimal ingredients.
- Applesauce keeps it moist and tender.
- One-bowl, no-fuss prep.
- Versatile enough for any occasion.
This Chocolate Applesauce Cake is an easy, everyday dessert with deep cocoa flavor and a soft, moist crumb thanks to applesauce. No mixer needed, just simple ingredients and great taste.
