Applesauce Spice Cake combines the nostalgic warmth of spiced cakes with the moist richness of applesauce and pudding mix. Originating from mid-century kitchen trends, this recipe makes use of convenience products like boxed cake mix and instant pudding, reflecting a time when home cooks sought both flavor and simplicity. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice creates a perfectly cozy dessert, while the applesauce keeps the crumb tender. Optional chopped raisins add a chewy burst of sweetness, making it ideal for cool-weather gatherings or teatime treats.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg yellow cake mix (2-layer size )
- 1 pkg Jell-O vanilla instant pudding & pie filling (4-serving size)
- 1 cup applesauce (Mott’s )
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixer bowl.
- Blend well until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Beat Batter
- Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for 4 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Pans
- Grease and flour two 8×4 inch loaf pans.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Do not underbake.
Step 5: Cool
- Cool in pans for 15 minutes before removing.
Tips
- Substitute chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for raisins for extra texture.
- Add ½ tsp cloves for a deeper spice profile.
- Use spiced applesauce to intensify flavor.
- Replace oil with melted butter for richer taste.
- Add a simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
- Bake in a bundt pan (adjust baking time to ~60 minutes).
- Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Use cinnamon applesauce for stronger warm-spice notes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style version.
- Wrap and rest overnight—the flavor improves next day.
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 337mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 103mgIron: 1mg
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