Applesauce Cake Iii
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake infused with spices and molasses, perfect for cozy gatherings and enjoyed by those who love fruity, spiced desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the white sugar and shortening.
- Add the applesauce and molasses, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you want a deeper flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can replace the raisins with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Applesauce Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cake Iii contains roughly 459 calories, with 0g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and potassium (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1532mg per serving (67% 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?
Yes, homemade applesauce works great in this recipe! Just ensure it's smooth and unsweetened to maintain the intended flavor and sweetness of the cake. If your applesauce is chunky, blend it briefly before adding it to the batter.
What can I replace the shortening with?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using applesauce itself as a replacement for half of the shortening, which will also enhance the cake's moistness.
Is this cake suitable for vegans?
To make this cake vegan, replace the shortening with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk instead of any additional liquid if needed. Confirm that the molasses you use is vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of this cake!
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).