Double Apple Spice Cake

Double the apple - plenty of spice! This healthy snacking cake is like a comforting bite of autumn. The batter is blessed with apples in two forms - applesauce and apple cider - and then scented with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Imagine a hot mug of apple cider in moist cake form.

Let's discuss why this cake is healthy. I replaced most of the fat with unsweetened applesauce and apple cider. In fact, there are just 4 tablespoons of oil in the entire cake! That means you can feel good about enjoying this sweet treat any time cravings strike - from breakfast through Netflix!

Let's talk about how EASY this cake is to make. There's NO electric mixer required (for beating together butter and sugar - because there is NO butter). You just need two bowls and a whisk! And the cake pan of course...

I love the short cooking time too - just 18 to 20 minutes and you're ready to serve. Seriously, what's better than a slice of warm cake? Maybe 2 slices?

I served this cake for dessert the day I made it. Then, I added slices to my boys' lunch boxes the next day. I enjoyed it as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea. Trust me - it hits the spot all day long.

Double Apple Spice Cake 

Cooking spray
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup apple cider
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until blended (all the flour should be incorporated).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a wooden pick comes out clean or with little moist bits clinging to it.
Cool the cake, in the pan, on a wire rack.
Slice the cake into 12 to 24 squares and serve warm or room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Serves 12-24, depending on the size of you slices