Applesauce-Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful applesauce-spice cake featuring warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, accented by sweet raisins. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons, this cake combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with aromatic spices, making it a comforting treat for family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 package vanilla instant pudding
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixer bowl.
  2. Blend well, then beat at medium speed of electric mixer for 4 minutes.
  3. Pour into greased and floured 8 x 4 inch loaf pans.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 to 55 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
  5. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from the pan and finish cooling on racks.

Tips & Substitutions

For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting half of the applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree. If you prefer a less sweet cake, use a sugar-free cake mix. To enhance the spices, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure to mix the batter thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

This Applesauce-Spice Cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or serve alongside a slice of Hot Pineapple Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Applesauce-Spice Cake contains roughly 422 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

422 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 27.4g 35% DV
Carbs 42.6g 15% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 168.9mg 7% DV
Potassium 202.2mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 52.7mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 116.6mg 9% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Contains Egg

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 cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as spice or white cake, to create different variations. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it can still yield delicious results.

Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). This will help maintain the cake's moisture and binding properties.

How can I make this cake more festive for the holidays?

To make the cake more festive, consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, and more dried fruits like cranberries. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top or frost it with a cream cheese frosting to elevate its appearance and flavor.

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).

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