Applesauce Cake With Caramel Icing
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts, topped with rich caramel icing—perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and cocoa into a large bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, combine sugar and vegetable oil until well blended.
- Stir in the warmed applesauce and blend thoroughly.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending well.
- Stir in the raisins and chopped English walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a Bundt pan and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional hour.
- Test the cake's doneness with a knife inserted into the center; if doughy, bake a little longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure your applesauce is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or using brown sugar instead of white. For variations, you can include chopped dried fruits or swap walnuts for pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It can be served as is or topped with the caramel icing for added sweetness. Consider serving alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance the flavors. For a refreshing contrast, a light salad can be a great side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in an oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Cake With Caramel Icing contains roughly 837 calories, with 20g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 945mg per serving (41% 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 store-bought applesauce for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just choose a variety without added sugars or flavors to maintain the cake's intended taste. You can also make your own applesauce by cooking peeled apples with a bit of water and then mashing them, which adds a personal touch.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this Applesauce Cake healthier, consider reducing the sugar by a third or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce or use whole wheat flour for added fiber. This will still yield a delicious cake without compromising on flavor.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Applesauce Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it gently in the oven.
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).