Applesauce Cake Deluxe
A rich, moist applesauce cake flavored with warm spices, chopped dates, and nuts, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dessert that delights with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cocoa ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 10 x 10 x 2-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, and sifted flour.
- Add salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cocoa, baking soda, and mix well.
- Stir in applesauce, chopped dates, and chopped nuts until evenly incorporated.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you're out of nuts, you can substitute with more chopped dates or even some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of freshly grated ginger. This cake can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Applesauce Cake Deluxe plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a delightful contrast, try it alongside a fresh Strawberry And Cranberry Salad to balance the richness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cake Deluxe contains roughly 532 calories, with 15g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1376mg per serving (60% 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 sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to avoid an overly sweet cake. Keep in mind that using sweetened applesauce will also enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
How can I make this cake more moist?
To increase moisture in the cake, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce or a tablespoon of yogurt. You can also ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake. Properly measuring the flour is crucial to avoid a dry texture.
Can I freeze the Applesauce Cake Deluxe?
Absolutely! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
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).