Applesauce Spiced Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce spiced cake featuring warm cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon extract, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3 1/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts (optional)
- 1 3/4 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until light and fluffy.
- Sift together flour, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with applesauce, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- If using nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Spoon the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. You can also replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. If you prefer a less spicy cake, reduce the amount of cinnamon and cloves to your taste. Remember to check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. This cake also makes a lovely dessert alongside a light salad or as part of a dessert platter with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Spiced Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Spiced Cake contains roughly 472 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, the texture may be denser, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid to the batter if needed.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
This recipe doesn't call for eggs, as the applesauce provides moisture and binding. If you're looking for additional binding, you can add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water for each cup of applesauce.
How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of bourbon to the batter. You could also enhance the spices by toasting them lightly before mixing them into the dry ingredients for a richer taste.
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).