Observed annually on June 6, Applesauce Cake Day celebrates a moist spice cake, often served plain with tea or coffee, or as a formal dessert topped with whipped cream or lemon curd.
Applesauce cake became popular during times of scarcity, such as World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, when ingredients like eggs, sugar, and butter were rationed or expensive. Applesauce served as a practical substitute, adding moisture and sweetness to baked goods.
Applesauce cake became a symbol of resourcefulness and simplicity in American kitchens. This food holiday celebrates both the cake’s deliciousness and its historical role as a “patriotic” dessert during challenging times.