Applesauce Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that brings a cozy feeling to any occasion. With warm spices and the natural sweetness of apples, it’s a cake that everyone will love. This delightful treat is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own with a cup of tea.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Applesauce Cake is a great choice for a few reasons. First, it’s easy! You don’t need any fancy tools or complicated techniques. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any applesauce you have on hand. Sometimes, I whip it up on the weekends when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend all day baking. It’s also perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or just a cozy night in!
How to Make Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the applesauce until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture, mixing until well blended.
- If you like, fold in the raisins and walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack before cutting it into squares to serve.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake
Serve this delicious cake warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat!
How to Store Applesauce Cake
To store the leftover cake, simply cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap.
Tips to Make Applesauce Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Feel free to use different spices, like allspice or ginger, if you prefer.
Variation
You can easily customize this cake! For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also swap the applesauce with mashed bananas for a banana cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes! Homemade applesauce works perfectly in this recipe and adds a lovely touch.
2. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly and freeze. It stays delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Can I leave out the nuts and raisins?
Yes! Feel free to skip the nuts and raisins if you prefer a simpler cake. It will still taste great!