Aunt Kate'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake packed with raisins and warm spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or teatime treats. Easily customizable with nuts and extra fruit.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine warm applesauce with baking soda in a mixing bowl.
- Add shortening, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Mix in raisins until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft batter forms, adding as needed.
- Pour the batter into greased loaf pans or a large flat pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you want a lighter texture, substitute half the shortening with applesauce. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance the texture. Make sure to use warm applesauce to activate the baking soda effectively. This recipe can also be easily adapted for vegan recipes by using a plant-based shortening.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Aunt Kate's Applesauce Cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of Mom's Cranberry Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Kate'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 496 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% 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 store-bought applesauce?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it is unsweetened to control the sugar levels in your cake. Homemade applesauce can add a unique flavor if you prefer to make it from scratch.
Can I freeze the Applesauce Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of butter or coconut oil for added flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, using applesauce or a vegan butter substitute can work well, but it may slightly alter the texture.
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).