American Applesauce Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

American Applesauce Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert blending the warmth of cinnamon and cloves with the natural sweetness of applesauce and walnuts. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons, it offers a delightful spiced aroma and tender crumb that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 1 (15 oz.) jar applesauce
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients down to ground cloves on low speed of mixer, then on high until well blended.
  2. Stir in chopped walnuts.
  3. Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses. To enhance the flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Also, feel free to replace walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This Applesauce Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It also makes a great dessert alongside H.R.E.S. Cafeteria Rolls for a comforting meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of American Applesauce Cake contains roughly 1065 calories, with 3g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1601mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).

1065 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 81g 100% DV
Carbs 87.9g 32% DV
Fiber 1.5g 6% DV
Sugar 56.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1600.8mg 70% DV
Potassium 300mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 78mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 293.4mg 23% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresh flavor to the cake. Just ensure it is unsweetened or adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly to maintain the right balance of sweetness.

What can I substitute for oil in this recipe?

You can substitute the oil with melted butter or applesauce for a lighter version. If using butter, melt it first and let it cool slightly before adding to the batter. This will help maintain moisture and flavor.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges will also start to pull away from the sides of the pan, indicating it's ready to be removed from the oven.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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