Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake

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Ah, this one’s a special treat! Picture the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cake, cinnamon dancing through the air, and the moist sweetness of applesauce wrapped in every bite. Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake is a slice of nostalgia that’ll make you feel right at home, whether you’re cozied up on the couch or sharing stories around the table with family. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

The beauty of this cake is its simplicity—nothing fancy, just pure, unadulterated comfort food. The applesauce keeps it wonderfully moist, while the spices give it a cozy, homestyle flavor. It’s one of those cakes you’ll find yourself making again and again—because, let’s face it, who can resist a slice (or two)?

Why You’ll Love Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake

This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form. Here’s why it’ll steal your heart:

  • Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a sweet end to a casual dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or indulging with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, this cake fits every occasion. Plus, it’s just the right balance of sweet and spiced—guests will be asking for seconds.
  • Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry. Applesauce, cinnamon, and flour come together for a homemade cake that’s both affordable and delicious.
  • Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed. It’s a cake that even beginners can make with ease—perfect for those times you want something homemade without stress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, who doesn’t love a good cake? This recipe strikes that perfect balance between comforting and sweet, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this cake—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a treat that feels like a special occasion. Let’s break it down:

  • Applesauce: The key to this cake’s moistness. Not only does it provide sweetness, but it also gives the cake that tender crumb you’ll love sinking your fork into.
  • Cinnamon: The warm, earthy spice that brings everything to life. This cake wouldn’t be the same without it!
  • Flour: The structure of the cake, giving it that perfect balance of soft and sturdy. It holds everything together, creating that classic cake texture.
  • Sugar: Just the right amount to make this cake subtly sweet—no overpowering sweetness, just enough to make your taste buds smile.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The secret to getting that light, fluffy texture. These little leavening agents work together to give the cake just the right lift.
  • Eggs: These are the binders that hold everything together, creating the smooth, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Just a pinch, to balance all the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
  • Vegetable Oil: For richness and moistness. This helps keep the cake soft and tender.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to create this delicious masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and perfectly. Get that oven warmed up while you prepare the batter.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is the base that gives your cake structure and flavor. Whisk it all together until everything’s well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. This is where the magic happens! The applesauce adds moisture and sweetness, while the eggs and oil help create a rich, tender cake. Mix until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is well combined. You want to preserve the cake’s light texture!

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell AMAZING!

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can wait that long, I highly recommend serving this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!

How to Serve Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake

This cake is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

  • With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the spiced cake.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
  • A Simple Drizzle: Try drizzling a bit of caramel sauce on top for a sweet, gooey finish.

Presentation

A simple plate or rustic cake stand will do the trick, but adding a few extra touches like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on the side will make it look extra inviting.

Additional Tips

  • Make It Ahead: You can bake the cake the day before and store it covered at room temperature. It gets even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld!
  • Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a deeper, spicier flavor.
  • Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to enjoy those leftovers!
  • Double the Batch: This recipe freezes wonderfully! Double the batch, bake it in two pans, and freeze one for later. You’ll thank yourself when you have a homemade cake on hand for those busy days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the applesauce for something else?

A1: If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas for a similar moist texture, or try using plain yogurt for a bit of tang.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature, and it’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It keeps really well!

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?

A4: Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy!

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

A5: Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or warm up a whole cake in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?

A6: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the cake will turn out just as delicious.

Q7: How can I make this cake more decadent?

A7: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor, or drizzle with cream cheese frosting.

Q8: Can I make this in a different size pan?

A8: Yes! If you want to make a smaller cake, use an 8×8-inch pan and bake for about 30 minutes. For cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve this cake for a crowd?

A9: Slice it into small squares and serve on a platter with a few decorative touches—fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar work beautifully.

Q10: What’s the best way to enjoy this cake?

A10: With a hot cup of tea or coffee, of course! It’s perfect for cozy afternoons when you need a little pick-me-up.

Conclusion

Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, it’s bound to put a smile on your face with every bite. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful cake—it’s a simple, beautiful dessert that’s perfect for any time you want to bring a little sweetness into your day.

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OLIVIA Walton’s APPLESAUCE CAKE

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This moist, spiced applesauce cake is a family favorite, made with raisins, walnuts, and warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering or enjoy with a cup of tea

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cake, Fall Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Cake:

    • 1 cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
    • 2 cups light raisins
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 2 tsp ground cloves
    • 2 tsp ground nutmeg
    • Pinch of salt

    For Dusting or Frosting (Optional):

    • Powdered sugar for dusting
    • Frosting of your choice (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the dry ingredients: Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Take ½ cup of the flour mixture and stir it into the chopped walnuts and raisins. Set both aside.
  • Cream the butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until smooth.
  • Add eggs: Beat in eggs vigorously, one at a time.
  • Combine the flour mixture and applesauce: Alternately stir in the flour mixture and applesauce until fully incorporated.
  • Add nuts and raisins: Once the batter is smooth, fold in the walnuts and raisins.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into a well-greased 9”x13” cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and serve: Cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or frost before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra touch of flavor, add ½ tsp of vanilla extract to the batter.
  • The cake is naturally moist, so it doesn’t necessarily need frosting. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives it a simple, elegant finish.
  • This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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