Go Back
–+ servings
Gluten-free applesauce snack cake on parchment paper
Print

Meaningful Eats

Easy, Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake

9 servings
My gluten-free applesauce cake is the absolute EASIEST gluten-free fall dessert! It is light and moist with an AMAZING texture. Cinnamon and nutmeg give the cake a subtle spice.
Ready in only 30 minutes! Serve it for an afternoon snack or with some vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert anytime.
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Author Erin Collins

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (53g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

OTHER:

  • 1/3 cup (57g) chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, oil, egg, vanilla, lemon juice, brown sugar and granulated sugar.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined and no dry flour streaks remain. Stir in half of the chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Gluten-Free: I recommend King Arthur GF Measure-for-Measure Flour for best results!  Always make sure the flour you use includes xanthan gum.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips. 
Nut-Free: This cake is naturally nut-free.
To Make-Ahead: This cake keeps well at room temperature or frozen for an easy make-ahead treat.
To Store: Cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Once completely cool, wrap pieces or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg