Applesauce Walnut Cake
A moist, flavorful apple and walnut cake featuring warm cinnamon, perfect for autumn gatherings or as a comforting dessert with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Put dry cake mix, softened butter, eggs, applesauce, and cinnamon into a large mixer bowl.
- Beat for 4 minutes at medium speed.
- Stir in black walnuts.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and spread evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the applesauce with unsweetened yogurt. If you're not a fan of walnuts, try using pecans or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. Make sure to beat the mixture well for the right texture. If you prefer, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. This cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Walnut Cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert experience. For a festive touch, serve with a slice of Egg Nog Pie during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cakes in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Walnut Cake contains roughly 296 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 can add a fresh flavor to your cake. Just make sure it is smooth and unsweetened to maintain the intended taste and texture of the cake. If your applesauce is chunky, blend it until smooth before using.
What can I substitute for the eggs in this recipe?
You can use flax eggs as a substitute for the eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. For this recipe, you would need three flax eggs to replace the three eggs.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry cake. Check the cakes at the 30-minute mark, and if they're not done, continue baking, checking every few minutes.
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).