Applesauce Christmas Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake filled with raisins and pecans, perfect for festive occasions or cozy family gatherings, blending warm cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar; beat in egg.
- Combine applesauce and baking soda; beat into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Stir in molasses, vanilla, raisins, and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using unsweetened applesauce and reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can substitute half of the shortening with applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. Make sure to measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for added sweetness. Serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Surprise Salad for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Christmas Cake contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% 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 a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake, so adjust the quantity according to the sweetener's conversion chart.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, which will help maintain the cake’s structure and texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while in the oven.
How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?
To boost the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter. You can also mix in chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for an extra fruity dimension. Additionally, a splash of bourbon or rum can deepen the cake's flavor profile.
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).