Applesauce Fruit Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce fruit cake packed with raisins, nuts, and warm spices like allspice and cloves. Its tender texture and rich taste make it perfect for teatime or holiday gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, nutty baked treats with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar well.
- Sift the dry ingredients and add alternately with applesauce, mixing well.
- Add the chopped nuts and raisins, which have been rolled in flour.
- Pour the batter into a tube cake pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure you use unsweetened applesauce. You can substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you don't have allspice, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg works well. Rolling the raisins in flour helps them distribute evenly throughout the cake. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce fruit cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. It also complements festive meals, making it a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover applesauce fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it, which will extend its shelf life by about a week. When ready to enjoy, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Fruit Cake contains roughly 528 calories, with 8g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 type of fruit instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can substitute applesauce with other fruit purees like pear or even pumpkin puree. However, this may alter the flavor slightly, so consider balancing spices accordingly.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking soda.
How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding citrus zest like orange or lemon. You could also incorporate a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for additional depth. Chopped dried fruits can add a unique twist.
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).