Handwritten recipe for Better Home Applesauce Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Moist Applesauce Spice Cake with Raisins and Pecans

Better Home Applesauce Cake
Applesauce cake became especially popular in American kitchens during the early and mid-20th century, when home cooks relied on pantry staples and seasonal preserves. The use of canned applesauce creates a moist, tender crumb while reducing the need for additional fat. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give this cake its signature cozy aroma, and the addition of raisins and pecans adds texture and richness. Often baked in a simple rectangular pan, it’s a practical, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and captures the nostalgic flavors of fall baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter ( or margarine)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 ½ cups applesauce
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup pecans (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease and lightly flour a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • Cream butter (or margarine) until smooth.
  • Gradually add sugar, creaming until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time.
  • Beat well after each addition.
  • Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  • Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing

  • Add dry ingredients alternately with applesauce to the creamed mixture.
  • Mix until just blended.

Step 6: Add Raisins and Nuts

  • Stir in raisins and chopped pecans.

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  • Allow cake to cool before slicing.
  • Serve plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips

  • Replace pecans with walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor.
  • Add ½ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
  • Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crumb.
  • Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
  • Top with cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
  • Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to keep them plump.
  • Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword classic dessert, comfort food, fall baking, homemade, moist cake, vintage, warm spices
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