Applesauce Cake

Applesauce Cake

Applesauce Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a warm blend of spices. It’s moist, flavorful, and the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you are enjoying a cozy family dinner or celebrating a birthday, this cake is sure to please everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

You might wonder why you should make Applesauce Cake instead of other cakes. Firstly, it’s simple to prepare and uses ingredients you probably already have at home. The applesauce keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness, allowing you to reduce added sugars. Plus, the warming spices create a delicious aroma and cozy flavor, making it comfort food at its best.

How to Make Applesauce Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 cup of raisins
• 2 cups of flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of cloves
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 2 cups of cinnamon applesauce
• 1 cup of walnuts, chopped
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 3 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and applesauce.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in the raisins and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until you reach the desired consistency.
11. Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!

How to Serve Applesauce Cake

Serve the Applesauce Cake at room temperature or chilled. You can enjoy it plain or topped with the cream cheese frosting. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Applesauce Cake

To keep your Applesauce Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Applesauce Cake

• Make sure your butter is softened before mixing for a smoother batter.
• Use homemade applesauce for a more natural flavor, but store-bought works just fine.
• Feel free to add other nuts or dried fruits for variety.

Variation

You can try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist. If you prefer a spice-free version, simply omit the spices and increase the vanilla flavor.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened applesauce?

Yes, unsweetened applesauce works well. You may want to adjust the sugar content in the recipe slightly for sweetness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and check if other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free.

How can I make this cake healthier?

You can reduce the amount of sugar used, substitute some of the butter with applesauce, and add in healthier mix-ins like oats or flaxseed for added nutrition.