Spicy Applesauce Cake is a classic American pantry cake that became popular in the early–mid 20th century when thrifty bakers relied on shelf-stable staples. Applesauce keeps the crumb tender and moist while allowing a lighter hand with fat, and warm spices, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, deliver a cozy aroma that fills the kitchen. Studded with plump raisins and crunchy walnuts and brightened with a hint of orange peel, this cake bakes up as an unfussy snacking treat perfect with coffee or tea. It’s equally at home on a weeknight dessert plate or a holiday table, and it holds beautifully for picnics and potlucks. Bake it in a simple 8×12 inch pan, dust with powdered sugar, or finish with a thin glaze for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup (“1 C. light …” on card; likely corn syrup)
- 2 eggs (well beaten)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice (estimated)
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (estimated)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp grated orange peel
- 8 oz raisins (about 1 1/2 cups)
- ½ cup walnut meats (chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the pan
- Grease and flour an 8×12-inch baking pan (or line with parchment). Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cream
- In a large bowl, cream shortening and granulated sugar until light.
Step 3: Add egg
- Beat in the well-beaten egg.
Step 4: Sweeten & moisten
- Mix in the light corn syrup and applesauce until smooth.
Step 5: Combine dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
Step 6: Make the batter
- Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until incorporated.
Step 7: Add flavorings
- Fold in orange peel, raisins, and walnuts.
Step 8: Fill pan
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake 55–60 minutes, or until the center springs back and a tester comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool & serve
- Cool in pan on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze, slice into 12 squares, and serve.
Tips
- Swap butter for shortening for a richer flavor (use 1/2 cup; cake will be slightly denser).
- Use sweetened applesauce and reduce granulated sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a holiday twist.
- No walnuts? Try pecans or omit nuts for nut-free serving.
- Stir in 1 to 2 tbsp molasses for deeper flavor and color.
- Bake as cupcakes (350°F, 18 to 22 minutes; yields ~18).
- Add a simple orange glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 to 3 tbsp orange juice.
- To plump raisins: soak in hot water or tea for 10 minutes; drain well.
- This cake keeps moist for days; wrap well or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 4gFat: 12.5gSaturated Fat: 3.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.6gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.6mg
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