Dark Applesauce Fruit Cake
A rich, moist fruit cake filled with applesauce, raisins, nuts, and spices, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings with a deliciously fruity flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp vanilla ⓘ
- 1 tsp cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp baking soda ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 box raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts ⓘ
- 2 cups applesauce ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 small container candied fruit ⓘ
- 20 oz crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 small bottle maraschino cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix raisins and nuts with a small portion of the flour to prevent sticking.
- Sift remaining flour together with soda, salt, and spices.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture along with vanilla, candied fruit, applesauce, and crushed pineapple.
- Beat the batter well until smooth.
- Fold in the raisins and nuts; beat again to combine.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Arrange maraschino cherries on top of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2 hours 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. You can also substitute half of the shortening with applesauce for a healthier twist. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. This cake can be made ahead of time, as it tastes even better after a day or two.
Serving Suggestions
This Dark Applesauce Fruit Cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. You can also try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or a fruit platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dark Applesauce Fruit Cake contains roughly 920 calories, with 15g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% 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 fresh fruit instead of canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to avoid altering the batter's consistency. Fresh fruit can add a brighter flavor to the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so checking at 1 hour and 45 minutes is recommended to avoid overbaking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the cake's texture. Adjust baking time as necessary.
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).