Applesauce Honey Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce honey cake with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft butter ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups applesauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup honey ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 3 ounces softened cream cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a large mixer bowl.
- Beat together on low speed until combined, then on medium speed, scraping sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Pour hot water over the raisins; let set for about 15 minutes.
- Drain the raisins and lay them on paper towels to absorb excess water.
- Stir the raisins and chopped walnuts into the batter.
- Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. You can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute if desired. If you prefer, add dried cranberries instead of raisins for a twist. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, and remember to scrape down the bowl to avoid lumps in your batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of applesauce honey cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. This cake pairs beautifully with Cathie Mcmahon's Apple Dip for a delightful dessert experience. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Honey Cake contains roughly 522 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), iron (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% 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 homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can enhance the flavor of the cake. Just make sure it’s smooth and unsweetened to maintain the cake's balance of sweetness. If your applesauce is chunky, blend it until smooth before adding it to the batter.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different flavor or need a vegan option. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary slightly, so adjust the sugar content accordingly for balance.
Can I freeze the applesauce honey cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).