Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing an 8-inch round cake pan or lining it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: applesauce, water, and vanilla extract. If you're using oil, add it here.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add any spices if desired.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for approximately 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.