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–+ servings
Spicy Applesauce Cake
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.
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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 370 kcal

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
Keyword apples, applesauce cake, fall baking, homemade cake, moist cake, Raisins, spice cake, vintage recipe
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