Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Incorporate Apple Sauce: Mix in apple sauce until smooth.

Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Optional Add-Ins: Fold in nuts or raisins if using.

Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool & Serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations