Applesauce Date Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce date cake infused with warm spices and chopped nuts. This easy-to-make dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. Its tender texture and rich flavors appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into a bowl.
- Add eggs, brown sugar, margarine, and 1 cup of hot applesauce. Beat until combined on low speed, then beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the remaining applesauce, chopped dates, and chopped nuts to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have chopped dates, raisins or dried figs can work as a substitute. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake moist.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with Waldorf Salad With Raisins for a balanced meal. Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover applesauce date cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C).
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Date Cake contains roughly 924 calories, with 8g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1161mg per serving (50% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the applesauce date cake a day in advance. It actually tastes better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it moist.
Can I use other nuts instead of chopped nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How can I tell if the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
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).