Applesauce Breakfast Cake
A moist, flavorful breakfast cake featuring applesauce, cinnamon, and nuts, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, margarine or butter, and cinnamon.
- Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add egg, applesauce, cooking oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular margarine or butter. You can substitute the walnuts or pecans with almonds or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. If you prefer a sweeter cake, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar or a splash of maple syrup. For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using whole wheat flour to enhance the health factor.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Breakfast Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added richness. You can serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast. For a cozy brunch, consider serving it with coffee or tea, making it a lovely addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until slightly toasted, bringing back its fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Breakfast Cake contains roughly 395 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 20g fat.
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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can enhance the flavor of the cake, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Just ensure that it's smooth and unsweetened if you prefer to control the sugar content in the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains binding agents like xanthan gum to achieve the right texture. Additionally, check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make this cake more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding grated carrots or zucchini to the batter. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour or almond flour for added fiber and healthy fats. Using applesauce helps keep it moist, making it a great choice for a healthier dessert option.
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).