Description
Applesauce cake brings pure comfort right from your kitchen, delivering warmth and classic flavor that makes everyone smile. Moist crumbs packed with cinnamon spice create a delightful treat perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl and thoroughly combine 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt using a whisk.
- In another large bowl, cream 2 sticks softened butter with 1 ¾ cups sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which takes about 4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gently mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with 1 ½ cups applesauce. Always start and end with dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
- If desired, carefully fold in 1 cup raisins and/or 1 cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
- Position your oven rack in the center and heat to 350F. Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter and flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure smooth distribution.
- Bake at 350F for 32-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center – it should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For an optional glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. The cake also freezes beautifully for 2-3 months.
Notes
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
- Substitute vegetable oil for butter to create a dairy-free version of the cake.
- Grate fresh nutmeg for a more intense, aromatic flavor profile in your spice blend.
- Soak raisins in warm water or apple juice for 10 minutes before adding to prevent them from burning during baking.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg