North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances moistness, rich chocolate flavor, and a subtle fruity twist, then you are in for a real treat with the North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe. This cake uses the natural sweetness and moisture from North Coast Organic applesauce to create a luscious, tender crumb that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite. The addition of a velvety chocolate ganache elevates this humble cake to something truly special, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion where you want warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance all in one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake is in its simplicity, relying on everyday pantry staples alongside a few special ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, or appearance. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a moist cake with a tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor, while the applesauce adds moisture without excess fat.

• 2 cups flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake, supporting the other ingredients.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture retention.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to make the cake rise and become fluffy.
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and enriches the color.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 1/2 cups North Coast Organic APPLESAUCE: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake moist without added fat.
• 1 cup vegetable or avocado oil: Maintains the cake’s tenderness and moist texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup cream or full-fat coconut milk: Creates a rich chocolate ganache when combined with the chocolate pieces.
• 4 ounces milk chocolate pieces: Melts into a silky ganache that crowns the cake beautifully.

How to Make North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan—this helps give the cake its lovely round shape and makes for easy removal once baked. A springform pan is perfect here to maintain the cake’s delicate crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk these components together until well blended. This ensures the cocoa and leavening are evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the North Coast Organic applesauce, vegetable or avocado oil, and vanilla extract. This luscious mixture is what keeps the cake moist and packed with fruity undertones. Incorporating these wet ingredients into the dry will eventually create the perfect batter.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so keep it simple until everything is nicely incorporated with no lumps visible.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into your prepared springform pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time gives the cake a tender crumb while perfectly cooking through the moist batter.

Step 6: Cool Before Chocolate Ganache

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it to a wire rack. Cooling completely is essential because the ganache will melt and slide off if the cake is warm, so patience here will pay off deliciously.

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While the cake cools, pour the cream or full-fat coconut milk into a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat just until it begins to boil. Immediately pour the hot cream over the milk chocolate pieces placed in a bowl. Let this rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften and melt completely.

Step 8: Stir to Smooth

After the rest period, gently stir the mixture until it turns into a glossy, smooth chocolate ganache. This silky texture is key for that luxurious drizzle top that you’ll be pouring over your cake soon.

Step 9: Drizzle the Ganache Over the Cake

Carefully pour the ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides. The rich chocolate topping not only adds flavor but also makes the cake look wonderfully indulgent and inviting.

Step 10: Let Ganache Set

Finally, allow the ganache to cool and harden slightly before serving to achieve that perfect balance of creamy and firm. This finishing touch makes your North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe a showstopper at any gathering.

How to Serve North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simply dusting the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a few fresh berries on top can add beautiful contrast and a fresh burst of flavor. Toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the richness of the ganache beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to cut through the sweetness. A cup of coffee or a robust black tea also make perfect companions to enhance your enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, slice the cake into petite squares and serve on decorative plates with a drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce. You could also layer it with whipped cream and fruit for an elegant trifle-style dessert that’s both impressive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will preserve the moist texture and prevent the ganache from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings out the luscious textures and warms the chocolate ganache slightly, making every bite melt in your mouth.

FAQs

Can I substitute the applesauce in the North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe?

While the applesauce lends moisture and subtle sweetness, you can try substituting with mashed banana or pumpkin puree if needed. However, keep in mind this will alter the flavor and moisture content slightly.

Is the cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This cake is naturally dairy-free if you use coconut milk for the ganache and vegetable or avocado oil. It’s also free of eggs which makes it great for some allergy considerations. Just be sure to verify all ingredient labels.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the ganache a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, balancing nicely with the sweet applesauce cake underneath for a sophisticated twist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The classic toothpick test works perfectly here; insert a toothpick into the center and bake until it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

What if my ganache is too thick or too runny?

If your ganache is too thick, warming it gently over a double boiler can help loosen it. If it’s too runny, let it cool a bit longer before using, or add a little more chopped chocolate and stir to thicken.

Final Thoughts

This North Coast Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe is genuinely one of those gems that combines ease, comfort, and rich flavor in the best way. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience how something so simple can turn into a cherished favorite!

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