Applesauce Snack Cake made with whole grain oat flour and almond flour and topped with a maple cream cheese frosting. Gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
I’ve come to really like the word “snack cake.” It seems to allow for the truer moments in which we all would like a little piece of cake. Which, by the way, is at any and all times of day. (Maybe this is just me?)
No matter when you like to have your cake, you’re going to want this applesauce snack cake in your lineup. It’s simple, unassuming, and totally delicious. Made with a blend of almond and oat flours, with a good dose of unsweetened applesauce and warming spices, it is tasty on its own.
But add a maple-sweetened cream cheese frosting, and the tangy-sweet, combined with the cinnamon and spice cake, will have you reaching for another piece.
Make a Salted Plains recipe? I’d love to see! Tag your creations on Instagram with #saltedplains.
Applesauce Snack Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil cooled
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour
- 1/2 cup (51g) gluten-free oat flour
- 1/2 cup (66g) coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- pinch of nutmeg
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spraying and line with two pieces of parchment paper, one in each direction to create flaps.
- In a large bowl, combine applesauce, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until incorporated.
- Add almond flour, oat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir until batter is evenly combined. Transfer to prepared pan.
- Smooth batter into an even layer with a rubber spatula, shake gently from to help even. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack until cool.
- While the cake cools, clean out your bowl and combine frosting ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat until mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more maple syrup if you desire a sweeter frosting. Frost cake and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Kelsey @ Appeasing a Food Geek says
Yes! Snack cake is amazing because cake is DEFINITELY good for anytime of day. I think like you Tessa ;) But this recipe sounds absolutely delicious. Love the flavor combo for those fall feels! xoxo
Tessa says
I am glad you agree – anytime is cake time!! Thanks, Kelsey! xoxo
Abby @ Heart of a Baker says
I love the word snack snack, it’s like it’s not just for dessert! I really need to do more with apples this season, so this is a perfect recipe for my weekend baking :)
Tessa says
Haha, that’s right! This is an easy one to get you on the apple train! <3
Rachel @Clean Eating for the Non-Hippie says
I can’t wait to make this, I think I’ll make them as cupcakes! I have been making applesauce like crazy right now with all the amazing apple varietals available, thank you for the lovely inspo!
Tessa says
Ohhh, that’s such a great idea! I am about to make some applesauce here as well – I think there may be cupcakes in my future. ;) Thanks, Rachel!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
I’ve always wanted to make a snack cake, Tessa. I mean, who doesn’t love a cake. For a snack? the flavors in this simple cake are SO desirable. And that cream cheese icing. OMGeeee!!!
Tessa says
Snack cake is the way to go!! Now, to snack cake-ice everything!
Christina says
Yasss!!! I’m hosting a Friendsgiving party and this recipe would be perfect for my gluten-free guests! They are going to love it! Great recipe :)
Tessa says
Thanks, Christina! Yay! Friendsgiving season is the best. I hope your guests enjoy it!
CC says
This snack cake is perfect in every way. I’ve made it twice in 3 weeks. It’s a huge hit. Thank you!
Tessa says
That is so awesome! Thank you for letting me know!!
Virginia says
What are the calorie,carb count on the delicious,healthy recipe!?
Fatma says
My daughter, 7 years old, is on a diet similar to Paleo and she wanted cake. I made this and oh my god it tastes amazing, texture moist and sweet enough and it was gone quickly. She was making such yummy sounds and her beautiful face was filled with happiness. Many thanks , saved the recipe now next time I will make the same cake and it will be her birthday cake ,too ,soon.
Tessa says
I’m so glad it was a winner! I really appreciate the kind note!