Grandma Mollie’s Applesauce Cake

A vintage spiced applesauce cake recipe passed down from Grandma Mollie, topped with apples and a buttery streusel.

Prep time

15

Cook time

45

Total time

60

Yield

8 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups applesauce

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

5–6 apples, sliced

Streusel topping (sugar, flour, butter)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan or cast iron skillet.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in milk.
5. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in another bowl.
6. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
7. Stir in applesauce.
8. Spread batter in prepared pan.
9. Arrange apple slices on top and press gently.
10. Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over apples.
11. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
12. Cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Vanilla was not in the original recipe but adds a lovely flavor.

Homemade applesauce gives the best texture and taste.

Add cloves or nutmeg for extra spice.