A moist, warmly-spiced applesauce cake that’s easy to make with pantry ingredients—perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday treats.

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup milk or buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C). Grease and flour baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract until smooth.

6. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Let butter soften at room temperature before beating.

Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour—it keeps the cake soft.

Add raisins or chopped walnuts for texture if desired.

If using sweetened applesauce, reduce sugar slightly to compensate.