The Ultimate Dairy-Free Spiced Apple Loaf Cake Recipe with Homemade Applesauce

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of autumn and winter with this incredibly easy Spiced Apple Loaf Cake. This delightful recipe, crafted with a rich, homemade applesauce and generously studded with tender apple chunks and a blend of comforting spices, promises a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a satisfying breakfast, or a sweet finish to any meal, this cake is not only bursting with flavor but also entirely dairy-free, making it a wonderful option for various dietary needs. Its moist texture and aromatic profile will quickly make it a seasonal favorite in your home, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.

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Why You’ll Adore This Spiced Apple Loaf Cake

This Spiced Apple Loaf Cake truly stands out as a quintessential fall and winter dessert, holding a special place among my all-time favorites. What makes it so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. You’ll experience a cake that is wonderfully soft and exceptionally moist, elevated by the delightful surprise of tender apple chunks in every bite. It’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it the ideal recipe when you find yourself with an abundance of apples begging to be used.

Infused with a thoughtfully curated blend of warm, comforting spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, this apple bread delivers a cozy embrace in every slice. Just like my beloved French Apple Cake, the secret to this loaf cake’s incredibly moist and fluffy crumb lies in the generous use of applesauce in the batter. This natural ingredient not only adds moisture but also contributes to the cake’s subtle sweetness and rich apple flavor. The fresh apple chunks, while soft from baking, retain just enough bite to provide a lovely textural contrast, ensuring each mouthful is an exciting journey of flavor and texture. And let’s not forget, it’s dairy-free, making it accessible for even more people to enjoy!

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Loaf Cake

Crafting this delicious Spiced Apple Loaf Cake requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect moist texture and aromatic flavor profile. Remember, using room temperature ingredients often leads to a better-incorporated batter and a more consistent bake.

Scroll down to the recipe card for all quantities.

• Eggs: Ensure your eggs are medium to large in size and, crucially, at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a lighter, more evenly baked cake.
• Oil: I prefer using Canola Oil for its neutral flavor, which allows the apple and spice notes to truly shine. Any other neutral-flavored cooking oil, like vegetable or grapeseed oil, will work beautifully. While melted butter can be used, oil is excellent for keeping the cake incredibly moist and fresh for longer periods, a key characteristic of a great loaf cake.
• Applesauce: The star ingredient for moisture! I recommend a smooth homemade Applesauce for the best flavor and texture control, but a good quality store-bought smooth applesauce is also fine. While chunky applesauce can be used, be aware it will introduce a different texture to your finished loaf. For optimal sweetness control, especially if your apples are already quite sweet, opt for applesauce that is low in sugar or made without any added sugar.
• Flour & Leaveners: This recipe uses a standard mix of Plain / All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, and a pinch of Salt. The baking powder provides the lift, making the cake light and airy, while the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Spices: A warm and inviting blend of Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, and Allspice creates that signature comforting flavor. Feel free to experiment by adding a touch of Nutmeg or even a dash of Cardamom for an extra layer of complexity, tailoring the spice profile to your personal preference.
• Fresh Apples: These provide delightful bursts of natural sweetness and texture. Make sure to peel and cut them into small, even chunks, approximately 1cm wide, so they distribute well throughout the batter and cook evenly. See the FAQs section below for a guide on selecting the best apple variety for baking.

For an extra layer of aroma and flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of pure Vanilla Extract to your wet ingredients. It beautifully complements the apple and spice notes.

Optional toppings can add wonderful texture. I love to sprinkle Flaked Almonds over the top before baking for a delicate crunch and nutty flavor. Alternatively, you could use other chopped nuts like Pecans or Walnuts, which pair wonderfully with apples. For those with a sweeter tooth, this apple cake loaf is delicious as is, but can also be finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a touch of milk or lemon juice) for an extra sweet touch.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake the Perfect Apple Loaf Cake

One of the best things about this apple loaf cake recipe is its incredible simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment – no electric mixer or stand mixer required! A simple whisk and a large mixing bowl are all you need to create this delightful treat. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful apple bread.

• Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Next, prepare a 25 cm/10-inch Loaf Pan by thoroughly greasing and flouring it.

To grease effectively, I recommend using an oil spray to coat the entire inside surface of the loaf pan, ensuring all nooks and crannies are covered. Then, lightly dust it with flour. Rotate the pan to ensure the flour adheres evenly, creating a thin, non-stick layer. Once fully covered, flip the pan over and gently tap it against your kitchen counter to remove any excess flour. This crucial step prevents your cake from sticking and ensures a clean release.

• Peel, core, and cut your chosen apple into small, uniform cubes, roughly 1cm wide. Smaller chunks ensure a more even distribution throughout the cake. Set these aside while you prepare the batter.
• Photo 1 & 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Eggs and Brown Sugar. Whisk these together for a couple of minutes until the mixture is light in color and slightly bubbly. This aeration helps create a tender crumb.
• Photo 3 & 4: Incorporate the Canola Oil and Applesauce into the egg mixture. Continue whisking until all the wet ingredients are smoothly combined and uniform in consistency.

• In a separate, medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients: the Plain / All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, and your chosen Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice).

Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This prevents pockets of unmixed ingredients and guarantees an even rise and consistent flavor in your cake. While optional, it’s a best practice for a perfectly baked loaf.

• Photo 5: Carefully sift the combined dry ingredients over the wet mixture in the large bowl. Sifting helps prevent lumps and further aerates the flour.
• Photo 6: Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold or slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until you achieve a smooth, light batter and no streaks of dry flour remain. It is crucial to stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a tough cake.
• Photo 7: Add the prepared Apple Chunks to the batter. Using a spatula, gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. For a beautiful presentation, you may optionally reserve a few apple chunks to place on top of the cake before baking.
• Photo 8: Pour the finished cake batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you reserved any apple chunks or wish to add flaked almonds, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
• Bake for approximately 50 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so always rely on the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.

Pro Tip: For that professional-looking, even crack down the center of your apple loaf cake, take the loaf out of the oven after the first 10 minutes of baking. Quickly slash the top surface lengthwise with a sharp knife (about 1/2 inch deep), then return it to the oven to finish baking. This guides the cake’s expansion and creates a beautiful, rustic top.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Storing Your Apple Loaf Cake for Maximum Freshness

To ensure your Spiced Apple Loaf Cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. At room temperature, the cake can be stored for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, make sure it is tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and maintains its moist texture.

If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. While chilling, it may firm up slightly, so I recommend gently re-heating individual slices in the microwave or toaster before serving to bring back its tender, warm goodness. Toasted slices are particularly delightful for breakfast!

For longer storage, this apple loaf cake freezes exceptionally well. Before freezing, ensure the cake has cooled down completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices. Wrap the cake or slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-friendly container or freezing bag. This method will keep your apple loaf cake fresh and delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm for a quick treat.

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Recipe Card

Apple Loaf Cake with Applesauce

5 from 7 votes

This Spiced Apple Loaf Cake with Applesauce makes the most delicious Fall and Winter dessert. The Applesauce Bread is packed with chunks of Apples and Spices; perfect to enjoy with your afternoon tea, as a comforting breakfast, or a delightful sweet treat any time of day! It’s incredibly easy to make and completely dairy-free, offering a moist, tender crumb with delightful apple bites.

Servings: 10 servings

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

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Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 medium Apple
• 80 gr (1/2 cup) Brown Sugar
• 2 large Eggs, at room temperature
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) Canola Oil, or neutral flavoured vegetable oil
• 240 gr (1 cup) Smooth Applesauce
• 300 gr (2 cups) Plain / All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Allspice
• Flaked Almond, to taste, optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven on 180°C / 350°F. Grease and Flour a 25 cm / 10 inch Loaf Pan (see note 1).
• Peal, core and cut the Apple into small cubes about 1cm wide. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Brown Sugar and Eggs for a couple of minutes or until lightly bubbly. Add the Canola Oil and Applesauce and mix until combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix all the remaining dry ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and Spices (see note 2)
• Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet mixture. Slowly mix it in until smooth, stopping as soon as you cannot see flour anymore.
• Add the Apple Chunks and gently fold them in. Optionally, keep a few chunks to top the loaf.
• Pour the batter into the prepared Loaf Pan. Optionally, add the remaining of the apple chunks and some flaked almonds (see note 3).
• Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (see note 4). Place on a wire rack to cool down completely before serving.

  To create an even crack in the centre of the loaf, take it out of the oven after 10 minutes and slash it with a sharp knife, then place it back in the oven.

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Notes

1.  For thorough greasing, I used an Oil Spray to cover the entire inside surface of the loaf pan, making sure to reach all corners. Then, I lightly dusted the whole pan with flour. Once it is evenly coated, flip the pan over and gently tap it against your kitchen counter to dislodge and remove any excess flour. This method ensures your cake won’t stick and will release cleanly.
2. This separate mixing step is crucial to ensure that all of the dry ingredients, especially the baking powder and spices, are properly and evenly distributed throughout the mixture before being combined with the wet ingredients. This guarantees a consistent rise and flavor in every slice of your baked cake.
3. I strategically left the very center of the loaf clear of flaked almonds. This allows the cake to naturally form an even and beautiful crack down the middle during baking, which is a desirable characteristic for many loaf cakes. You can place almonds towards the edges if you like.
4. Keep a close eye on your oven! If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly before the center is fully baked, it might indicate that your oven temperature is slightly too high. You can slightly reduce the temperature. To prevent the top from burning while the interior finishes cooking, simply cover the loaf loosely with a piece of aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

 

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg