Aunty Rika'S "Applesauce Spice Cake"
A moist, flavorful applesauce spice cake infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add applesauce and lightly floured raisins; mix well.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the beaten egg, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a mashed banana or an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for a richer flavor. Lightly flouring the raisins helps prevent them from sinking in the batter. Feel free to add chopped nuts or swap out the spices for your favorites to customize the flavor. This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the applesauce spice cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple finish. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added decadence. This cake also works well as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack with coffee. Consider serving it alongside tangy desserts like Mandarin Orange Fluff for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last for a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the whole cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunty Rika'S "Applesauce Spice Cake" contains roughly 409 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% 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 sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar or honey. If using honey, reduce the applesauce slightly to keep the batter balanced. Remember that using alternative sweeteners may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. This adaptation allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy a slice of this delicious cake.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or using fresh grated ginger along with the spices. You can also experiment with adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a bright note that complements the spices beautifully.
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).