Applesauce Buttermilk Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce buttermilk cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with nuts if desired, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream margarine and sugar until light; beat in eggs until well blended.
- Stir in applesauce and buttermilk.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until blended.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a rack.
- Serve from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture, but it's optional. To reduce baking time, check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Buttermilk Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Buttermilk Cake contains roughly 495 calories, with 7g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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 add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of the cake. Just make sure it’s well-pureed and unsweetened to avoid altering the sweetness of the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld. You can bake it in advance and store it as mentioned above, then serve it when ready for a quick dessert.
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).