Applesauce Picnic Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce picnic cake featuring warm spices and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or family dessert, it combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting treat suitable for all ages. Easy to prepare and share.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat margarine and applesauce until the butter is melted.
- Beat the eggs until well combined.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add the beaten eggs to the applesauce mixture and stir well.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use a light margarine or even coconut oil. Make sure to let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking to enhance the texture. This cake is also excellent with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Picnic Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can be served as a dessert or a sweet snack. For a complete picnic spread, serve it alongside Grilled Mushrooms and Cheese Pennies for a delicious contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Picnic Cake contains roughly 580 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1131mg per serving (49% 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 instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor of the cake. Just ensure that it's unsweetened and has a similar consistency to store-bought varieties.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture. The results will still yield a delicious cake.
How can I make this cake more festive for a gathering?
To make the cake more festive, consider adding a frosting made of cream cheese or a simple glaze. You can also decorate the top with seasonal fruits or nuts for an appealing presentation.
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).