This vintage Chocolate Applesauce Cake recipe is a classic from the mid-20th century, beloved for its rich cocoa flavor, moist texture, and subtle sweetness. The applesauce naturally keeps the cake soft and tender while reducing the need for extra fat, making it a lighter alternative to traditional chocolate cakes. Combined with raisins, nuts, and warm cocoa notes, this old-fashioned dessert is a cozy treat for holidays, family gatherings, or afternoon coffee breaks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 dash salt
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- ¾ cup oil (scant)
- ½ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt, raisins, and nuts.
- Add applesauce and oil.
- Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into a 1½” x 9″ x 2″ greased baking pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy plain or dust with powdered sugar.
Tips
- Use unsweetened applesauce if the cake tastes too sweet for your preference.
- Add warm spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg) for a classic applesauce-cake flavor.
- Replace raisins with chopped dates or leave them out if preferred.
- Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Use walnuts or pecans for the “nuts” called for, or omit for a nut-free version.
- Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- For cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes instead of 40 to 45 minutes.
- Light glaze or powdered sugar dusting can be added after cooling for presentation.
- To reduce fat, substitute part of the oil with additional applesauce.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly once fully cooled.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 160mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!