Description
A moist, warmly spiced applesauce cake inspired by a beloved family recipe, perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Large Egg: 1
- Unsweetened Applesauce: 1 1/2 cups
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): 1/2 cup
- Raisins (optional): 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or prepare a Bundt pan as preferred.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg until incorporated, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently and mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sweetness and keep the cake balanced.
- Toast nuts briefly before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Let the cake rest before slicing to allow flavors to settle and the structure to firm up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: applesauce cake, grandma recipe, moist cake, autumn dessert, spiced cake, simple cake, make-ahead dessert