This 5-ingredient oven baked applesauce dessert is the kind of simple, old-fashioned treat that turns pantry staples into something warm and comforting with almost no effort. Using canned unsweetened applesauce as the base keeps the texture tender and spoonable, while a few baking basics transform it into a lightly sweet dessert that feels a bit like a cross between a soft apple pudding and a simple breakfast cake.
Serve it warm on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a less sweet option. It also fits nicely alongside coffee or hot tea, and if you want to lean into its cozy flavor, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top just before serving works beautifully.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Applesauce Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups canned unsweetened applesauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe ceramic casserole dish.
2. Pour the unsweetened applesauce into a mixing bowl, then add the egg, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
3. Stir just until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, with no dry streaks of flour remaining.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and the center no longer looks wet.
6. Let the dessert cool for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping and serving.
Variations & Tips
Add vanilla: If you do not need to keep it strictly to five ingredients, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a rounder bakery-style flavor that works especially well with the apples and cinnamon.
Make it warmer-spiced: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can deepen the flavor and make the dessert taste more like an apple pie filling in soft baked form.
Watch the texture: Because applesauce brands vary in thickness, check the batter before baking. It should be thick but still easily spreadable; if it seems extremely loose, add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of flour.
Serve it two ways: This dessert is excellent warm for a soft pudding-like texture, but after chilling it becomes a bit firmer and can be cut into neat squares for serving.
Use the right dish size: An 8-inch square dish or a similar small casserole dish gives the best thickness. A dish that is too large will make the dessert bake up thin and dry more quickly.