Applesauce Pecan Cake
A moist applesauce pecan cake featuring warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert lovers seeking a flavorful, nutty treat.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. can pecan halves ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 15 or 16 oz. applesauce ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 3 oz. package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon apple jelly ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Reserve 18 pecan halves for garnish. Chop remaining pecan halves and set aside.
- In a large bowl with a mixer at high speed, beat shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add applesauce, all-purpose flour, milk, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, eggs, and salt. Beat at low speed until well mixed, occasionally scraping the bowl.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you’re out of allspice, you can use an equal amount of nutmeg as a substitute. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Applesauce Pecan Cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack paired with a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Delights for an indulgent treat. For a cozy gathering, consider serving it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the cake's spiced flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 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 for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Pecan Cake contains roughly 708 calories, with 10g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1379mg per serving (60% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Just chop them similarly and mix them into the batter. Each nut will impart its unique flavor, giving a delicious twist to the cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help maintain the cake's structure. The flavor and texture will remain delightful.
Can I freeze the Applesauce Pecan Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to enjoy it at its best.
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).