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–+ servings
Honey Applesauce Cake
Honey Applesauce Cake is a richly spiced, moist dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. With the natural sweetness of honey and applesauce combined with warm spices and the texture of raisins and chopped walnuts, this cake was a popular mid-century treat, especially around holidays and harvest time. It’s hearty, naturally sweetened, and perfect for pairing with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The use of whole wheat flour and powdered milk also reflects the era’s trend of balancing indulgence with a touch of nutrition.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
  • ⅓ cup nonfat dry milk powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla
  • 1 to 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base

  • In a large bowl, beat shortening with honey on high speed until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, stir together whole wheat flour, dry milk, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 3: Mix Wet & Dry

  • Gradually add dry mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with applesauce.
  • Beat well after each addition.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

  • Fold in raisins, chopped walnuts, and remaining flour (or “old wheat”).

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan.
  • Bake at 325°F for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

  • Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack. Cool completely before serving.

Step 7: Frosting

  • In a small bowl stir together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and enough milk to make glaze consistency.
  • Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake.

Tips

  • Add raisins or chopped dates along with the walnuts for extra sweetness.
  • Substitute part of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb.
  • Use melted butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.
  • Add orange zest or lemon zest for a bright citrus note.
  • Replace some of the applesauce with mashed banana for a fruitier variation.
  • Frost with cream cheese icing for a festive holiday version.
  • Add a pinch of black pepper, traditional in old-fashioned spice cakes.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans or leave nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword applesauce cake, comfort food, fall baking, heirloom recipe, honey cake, retro recipes, vintage baking, warm spices
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