Gluten Free Classic Applesauce Cake

Total time1 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time40 min

This spiced applesauce cake is warm with cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, and gets its incredible moistness from a full two cups of unsweetened applesauce folded right into the batter. The crumb bakes up soft and tender, with raisins scattered through for little bursts of sweetness in every bite. On top, a rich browned butter and cream cheese frosting adds a nutty, tangy contrast that balances all that warm spice perfectly. A scatter of chopped walnuts or pecans over the finished cake brings a satisfying crunch to each square. It's an easy 9x13 sheet cake, simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a crowd, and it's a great pick to add to a gluten free dessert rotation.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour Pillsbury Best Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend - 24 Oz Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour, 1 to 1, Gluten Free King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
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Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (optional)

For the frosting

4 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

For serving

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

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