Ingredients
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
½ cup (115 g) unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup (115 g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (57 g) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups (177 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk buttermilk, applesauce, oil, eggs, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake 30–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes in pan, transfer to a rack, and dust with powdered sugar.
7. Serve plain or with caramel, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
Keep cake in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 8 weeks.
Best served with tea or coffee.
For extra sweetness, drizzle with cream cheese frosting or apple cider caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Vanilla & Spice Mug Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian