Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups diced apples, peeled and cored
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  3. Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
  6. Fold in diced apples gently into the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Sprinkle nuts on top, if using.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.