Apple Sauce Cake

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as cozy as it is delicious, this Applesauce Cake is the one to try. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer! Imagine a moist, spiced cake with just the right balance of sweetness—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a little treat after a busy day or want something to share with friends, this cake is sure to please. It’s simple to make, super flavorful, and the kind of cake that gets better with each bite. Let’s dive in and bring this delicious creation to life!

Why You’ll Love Applesauce Cake

This isn’t just any cake—it’s a hug in dessert form. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a birthday celebration, or just because, this cake is incredibly versatile. It’s a no-fuss, comforting treat that fits any event, big or small.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry—flour, sugar, applesauce, and some cozy spices. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something extraordinary!

Moist and Delicious

Applesauce not only gives this cake a lovely flavor, but it also makes it incredibly moist. You know that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture? That’s all thanks to the applesauce.

Customizable to Your Taste

While this recipe is a classic, you can easily make it your own. Add nuts, raisins, or even a little drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate it to new heights. Get creative and make it exactly how you like it!

A Crowd-Pleaser

This cake is a hit with everyone—from kids to adults. Its warmth and spiced flavor make it the perfect dessert for a cozy evening or even as a gift. It’s bound to be a crowd favorite wherever it goes.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients that come together to make this cake a total treat:

Applesauce: The star of the show! Not only does it provide flavor, but it also makes the cake wonderfully moist. Use unsweetened applesauce for a balanced sweetness.

Flour: The base of the cake. All-purpose flour works best, giving the cake its structure while still keeping it tender.

Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the spices and applesauce.

Eggs: These help bind everything together and add richness to the cake.

Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it that light, airy texture.

Cinnamon: The spice that gives this cake its cozy, warm flavor. It’s not just a flavor booster; it’s a whole mood!

Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds that extra depth of flavor, rounding out the spices beautifully.

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.

Vanilla Extract: The perfect finishing touch that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this simple, delicious Applesauce Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so your cake bakes evenly.

Prepare the Pan

Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or a similar-sized pan). This ensures the cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are the heart of the flavor, so be sure to mix them well.

Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light, tender texture.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for a little extra touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories per serving: 350 kcal

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

This cake is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it a bit, here are some ways to serve it:

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this cake to the next level. The light, airy cream contrasts beautifully with the dense, moist cake.

A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would pair wonderfully with the spiced flavors of the cake.

A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple but elegant touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top.

With a Cup of Tea: The perfect afternoon treat! Enjoy a slice of cake with your favorite tea for a cozy snack.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help make your Applesauce Cake perfect every time:

Make Ahead: This cake actually gets better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Spice it Up: Want a more intense flavor? Add a dash of ground ginger or even a bit of clove to the mix for an extra kick.

Add-ins: You can stir in chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to make the cake even more delightful.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A1: Yes! Use a flax egg or your favorite egg substitute, and the cake will still turn out amazing.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of fruit puree?
A2: Absolutely! Pear or banana puree would work great as alternatives to applesauce.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! Slice the cake and freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Of course! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (you might need to adjust the baking time slightly).

Conclusion

This Applesauce Cake is everything you need for a cozy, flavorful dessert. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and full of heartwarming flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or just enjoying it on your own, this cake will quickly become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for a slice of comfort!

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Apple Sauce Cake

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This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is paired with a rich, browned butter frosting for a delightful treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Cake:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups applesauce
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 3/4 cup golden raisins or raisins
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

    For the Frosting:

    • 1/3 cup butter
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
    • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients (except raisins and pecans). Beat at low speed until the ingredients are moistened, then increase speed and beat at high until smooth.
  3. Stir in the raisins and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  6. For the Frosting: In a saucepan, melt 1/3 cup butter over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook for 4-6 minutes, until the butter just begins to turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat at medium speed, gradually adding milk until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Frost the cooled cake with the frosting, and optionally sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans.

Notes

  • This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
  • For a richer frosting, you can add an extra tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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