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This applesauce coffee cake loaf recipe is the perfect combination of moist, spiced cake, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts. It’s bursting with warm fall flavors and makes a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack. Plus, using applesauce keeps the delicious cake naturally sweetened, moist, and healthy. Recipes that use applesauce often offer a healthy alternative to your classic favorites.

Bursting with the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced applesauce, this gluten-free rendition elevates traditional coffee cake to new heights. Packed with plump raisins and crunchy walnuts, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Whether you’re savoring a slice for breakfast with your morning coffee, or indulging in an afternoon treat, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to become a beloved addition to your baking. Get ready to impress friends and family with this irresistible gluten-free applesauce coffee cake recipe. 

Applesauce keeps the cake incredibly tender and adds a touch of natural sweetness. Instead of traditional streusel topping, this cake is dusted with a little powdered sugar to keep it light.

What Do You Need to Make Applesauce Coffee Cake Loaf

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To make this deliciously easy coffee cake you will need a few basic kitchen essentials and simple ingredients. This recipe is both dairy-free and gluten-free, so these ingredients are commonly used in healthy gluten-free baking. 

• 1 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• optional – powdered sugar for top

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

When it comes to gluten-free baking and making this healthy applesauce coffee cake loaf I prefer to use gluten-free 1:1 flour. You can use the gluten-free all-purpose flour or the gluten-free baking flour. (I don’t notice much of a difference between the two when baking). Bob Red Mill has a variety of organic and gluten-free products and flour online here: flour. 

I like to use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or other refined sugars because coconut sugar is a lower glycemic sugar. It is less likely to cause a sugar spike, making it a healthier option. This is the coconut sugar that I use: coconut sugar.

For the applesauce, you can use either homemade applesauce or storebought. You can use my easy applesauce recipe or simple unsweetened applesauce from the grocery store.

You will also need a large bowl, a hand mixer, and a loaf pan.

Make sure to check out my healthy cooking essentials for gluten-free baking.

How to Make an Applesauce Coffee Cake

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Next, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, and coconut sugar, in a large mixing bowl. This dry mixture will form the base of our delicious coffee cake.

Then add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to the bowl.

Add the egg and applesauce into the bowl with the dry ingredients. I am using regular applesauce, but you can opt for chunky applesauce for added texture if you’d like. 

Then add the water and coconut oil to the bowl. Use a hand mixer to thoroughly combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture.

Mix the applesauce mixture until smooth.

Next, gently fold the raisins and walnuts into the apple cake batter.

Bake the Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

First, line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Parchment paper becomes your secret weapon for stress-free baking. Lining your pan with it creates a nonstick barrier, ensuring your moist cake glides out effortlessly without any frustrating sticking or tearing. This way, you can transfer your applesauce coffee cake to a cooling rack with ease.

Transfer the batter to the baking pan and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. After 20-25 minutes cover the coffee cake with foil to prevent over browning. 

When done, remove the loaf pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Then carefully lift the cake from the pan with the parchment paper and transfer it to the wire rack to let the cake cool completely. 

Healthy Applesauce Cake Recipe

When the cake is cool, enjoy it as is, or dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. 

Skip the store-bought treats and make this great recipe for a guilt-free delight! Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply crave a wholesome treat, this loaf is a must-try for any occasion.

This easy apple coffee cake recipe boasts a wonderfully moist texture and a mild apple flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices. Plus, it packs a flavorful punch with less sugar than your typical prepackaged bakery item.

Plump juicy raisins and crunchy walnuts are scattered throughout the middle of the cake, adding a burst of flavor and texture to every bite. 

Whether it is apple season, or not, this easy recipe is perfect for any time of year. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, or a nice cup of tea in the evening. 

You Might Also Like

For more healthy recipes made with applesauce then check out:

• Chocolate Chip Walnut Muffins
• Gluten-free Banana Muffins
• Healthy Oatmeal Cinnamon Muffins

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