Country Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake packed with raisins, dates, and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and those who appreciate warm spices and rich textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups minus 2 tablespoons plain flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup dark seedless raisins ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups applesauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dates ⓘ
- milk (if needed) ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening with sugar until creamy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add sifted ingredients to egg mixture a third at a time, alternating with applesauce, and mix well.
- If batter is very stiff, add up to 1/4 cup milk and mix.
- Stir in raisins, chopped dates, and chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top to level the batter.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is well browned.
- Remove the pan from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the cake.
- Place the pan on a wire rack and cool for 1 hour.
- Remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely.
- Keep the cake for at least 1 day before cutting to enhance flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute applesauce with unsweetened mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin for a different flavor. Adjust the sugar to taste if using sweeter applesauce. Be sure to check the consistency of the batter; it should be thick but pourable. If you prefer, add spices like cardamom or allspice for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Applesauce Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a great addition to brunch spreads, especially during the fall season. Consider serving it with a side of Peachy Coolers for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Applesauce Cake contains roughly 2659 calories, with 35g protein, 416g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (427% of the Daily Value), iron (198% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1709mg per serving (74% 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 other nuts instead of pecans or walnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Just chop them roughly so they mix well into the batter without overpowering the cake. Remember to toast the nuts lightly for enhanced flavor.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If you find the cake dry after baking, try serving it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream. You can also brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to add moisture back into the cake.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be mindful that gluten-free flours may absorb more moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly or add an extra egg for stability.
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).