Applesauce Cake Recipe: 9-Step Guide For Moist Spiced Treat

Classic Applesauce Cake: A Spiced Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something timeless about the aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafting through a kitchen on a cool day, especially when it means a hearty, moist cake is baking in the oven. The classic applesauce cake is a nostalgic dessert that combines pantry staples into a flavorful, easy-to-make treat. Bursting with juicy raisins, crunchy walnuts, and the sweet tang of applesauce, this cake is perfect for fall brunches, afternoon snacks, or festive get-togethers. Learn everything you need to know about baking your own applesauce cake and discover its rich history, tips, variations, and more in this all-in-one guide.

What is Applesauce Cake?

Applesauce cake is a traditional American dessert that emerged as a way to stretch ingredients and add moisture to cakes. By using applesauce instead of part of the fat or liquid, bakers created a soft, tender crumb and infused their cakes with subtle fruit flavor. Infused with fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and occasionally nutmeg or allspice, this cake often features raisins and nuts for added flavor and texture. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.

Ingredients

This applesauce cake relies on simple pantry staples that come together to create an irresistible dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Shortening (or substitute with unsalted butter for richer flavor)
• White sugar
• Large eggs
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Raisins
• Chopped walnuts

Many variations of this cake also include nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes molasses or brown sugar to deepen the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or an equivalent cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream Shortening and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the shortening (or butter) with the sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air for a lighter crumb.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
5. Incorporate Applesauce: Stir in the applesauce, which will add moisture and tang to the cake.
6. Combine With Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
7. Fold In Raisins and Walnuts: Gently fold in raisins and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan. Serve warm for an extra cozy treat, or at room temperature. Enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with a cream cheese glaze.

Why Bake Applesauce Cake?

• Moist Texture: Applesauce makes the cake incredibly moist without being heavy, leading to a tender crumb.
• Rich Flavor: Spices like cinnamon and cloves provide a warm, comforting taste that pairs perfectly with apples and nuts.
• Versatile: Applesauce cake can be served as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. It’s also easy to add your favorite mix-ins.
• Great for Gatherings: Its nostalgic appeal and simplicity make it a hit at potlucks, family meals, and seasonal celebrations.

Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake

• Use Unsweetened Applesauce: This gives you full control over the cake’s sweetness and keeps the texture just right.
• Don’t Overmix: To keep the cake tender, mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
• Adjust the Spices: Tailor the spice blend to your liking. Try adding nutmeg, allspice, or even ginger for added complexity.
• Make It Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version, or substitute with seeds if desired.
• Use Other Dried Fruits: Currants, chopped dates, or dried cranberries offer delicious alternatives to raisins.
• Add a Frosting: While delicious on its own, applesauce cake shines with a simple icing sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting if you want to dress it up.

Variations and Customizations

Applesauce cake is extremely versatile and can be modified to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:

• Vegan Applesauce Cake: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs and use vegan margarine or oil in place of shortening or butter.
• Gluten-Free Applesauce Cake: Substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Ensure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
• Spiced-Up Applesauce Cake: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, or a hint of black pepper for a unique twist.
• Fruit-Forward Version: Add chopped fresh apples or pears for extra bursts of fruit and moisture.
• Whole Wheat Version: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious all on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it in a variety of ways:

• With a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish.
• Topped with a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.
• Alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Accompanied by a mug of hot coffee or spiced chai tea.
• Warmed briefly in the microwave for an ultra-comforting treat on cold days.

Storing and Freezing Applesauce Cake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use sweetened applesauce for this recipe?

A: You can, but reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to compensate. Unsweetened applesauce gives you more control over the final sweetness and texture.

Q: What type of nuts work best?

A: Walnuts are traditional, but you can use pecans, almonds, or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! In fact, applesauce cake often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it well-covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

A: Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients. Mixing just until combined will help keep the cake light and moist.

Q: Can I add other spices?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or even a pinch of black pepper if you like extra warmth and depth in your cake.

Nutrition Facts

While nutrition can vary depending on the specific ingredients and modifications, a typical piece of applesauce cake is a moderately indulgent treat. It contains modest amounts of fat and sugar compared to frosted layer cakes, and applesauce adds dietary fiber and moisture.

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 3g

These values will vary depending on nut content, exact ingredient types, and serving size. For more accuracy, use a nutrition calculator with your actual ingredients and weights.

Applesauce Cake Through the Years: A Culinary Tradition

The applesauce cake is a dessert steeped in tradition. Its origins can be traced back to early American kitchens, where resourceful home bakers used applesauce to add moisture and stretch their ingredients during times of scarcity. Over the years, this humble cake became a symbol of comfort, enjoyed at holiday gatherings, family reunions, and special occasions. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the warm memories it evokes with every bite.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic treat, a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, or a simple cake to enjoy with coffee, applesauce cake checks all the boxes. Its tender crumb, inviting spices, and adaptability make it a tried-and-true favorite. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or the next day—the flavor only improves over time. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to bake your own classic applesauce cake and make new memories with every delicious slice.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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