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–+ servings
Applesauce Cake
This classic Applesauce Cake offers a warm, spiced flavor and moist crumb, making it a comforting dessert for fall and winter. Originating from early 20th-century frugality, applesauce was often used in baking to keep cakes moist while reducing fat. This recipe brings together cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a nostalgic spice blend and includes rich touches like chocolate and nuts. With its simple preparation and earthy ingredients, it’s the kind of cake that feels both homey and festive, perfect with a cup of coffee or as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp mixed spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, mace)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp chocolate (grated )
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped )
  • 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf or tube pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, spices, salt, cocoa, and cornstarch in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins and nuts.

Step 4: Incorporate Applesauce

  • Add the applesauce and mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool

  • Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

  • Substitute half the raisins with chopped dates for a deeper caramel flavor.
  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance sweetness.
  • Fold in finely diced apple for extra moisture.
  • Replace butter with oil for a softer, lighter crumb.
  • Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
  • Add orange zest to brighten the warm spices.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans for a richer nut flavor.
  • If batter feels thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons more applesauce.
  • Bake in muffin tins (adjust baking time to ~20 minutes).
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 274mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Keyword applesauce cake, cozy dessert, heirloom baking, homemade, old-fashioned cake, spice cake, vintage recipe
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