Applesauce Cake Plus
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices, raisins, and nuts, perfect for fall gatherings or teatime treats that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter or margarine in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the applesauce, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the raisins, chopped pecans, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped cherries.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute unsweetened applesauce for half of the butter or margarine. You can also swap out raisins for dried cranberries or even chocolate chips if desired. Ensure your flour is properly sifted to avoid lumps in the batter. This cake is versatile, and you can experiment with spices like nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also enjoy it as a dessert after a hearty meal, perhaps alongside Basic Cornbread for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold. The flavors tend to deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cake Plus contains roughly 2094 calories, with 26g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2220mg per serving (97% 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 different nuts or omit them altogether?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds. If you're looking for a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts entirely. The cake will still be moist and flavorful thanks to the applesauce and other ingredients.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to maintain the cake's texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
What can I do if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
If you don't have a Bundt pan, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch baking dish instead. Adjust the baking time as needed; round pans will likely bake faster than a Bundt pan. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
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).