Brown Sugar Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake infused with warm spices and packed with raisins and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 2 cups applesauce, unsweetened ⓘ
- 2 cups raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts or black walnuts, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter.
- Add the brown sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
- Combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Drench the raisins and chopped nuts with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
- Fold the floured raisins and nuts into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist. If you want to make it a bit healthier, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Make sure to sift your dry ingredients for a lighter cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Sugar Applesauce Cake is delightful served plain, but you can enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Peach Cobbler for a comforting dessert spread. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Sugar Applesauce Cake contains roughly 1050 calories, with 8g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 941mg per serving (41% 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 homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresh, unique flavor to your cake. Just ensure that it's unsweetened and has a similar consistency to store-bought varieties to maintain the cake's texture.
What can I substitute for nuts if I have allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This will maintain the texture in the cake without compromising the flavor.
Can I freeze the cake for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).