Low Sugar Vegan Applesauce Cake

Total time1 hr 15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time40 min

This cozy spiced cake leans on warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg alongside a full cup of unsweetened applesauce, which keeps every bite moist without drying out in the oven. The batter comes together with a flax egg and melted coconut oil for richness, folded gently so the crumb stays soft and tender rather than dense. A splash of apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its lift, and a handful of raisins adds little pockets of chewy sweetness throughout. Baked low and slow until it springs back to the touch, it cools completely before getting a smooth, pourable drizzle over the top that sets into a delicate sheen. Sliced into squares, it's an easy make-ahead treat that fits neatly into an added sugar free spread. This is a solid pick when you want a spiced, homey dessert without any last-minute fuss.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

12 servings

For the flax eggs

For the cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup organic cane sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
½ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
¼ cup plant-based milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ cup raisins (optional)

For the glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
3 tbsp plant-based milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a small bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp water until combined. Set aside for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a gel.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!