Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful old-fashioned dessert that combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with sweet applesauce, raisins, and optional walnuts for added texture. This classic American cake is easy to make and perfect for a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate applesauce and vanilla: Stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until evenly mixed with the wet ingredients.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add raisins and walnuts: Fold in the raisins and, if using, the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing. Enjoy as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting if desired.
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own but can be topped with powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness and richness.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container; it will keep well for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and moisture of the cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
