Date Applesauce Cake
A moist, sweet cake blending warm applesauce, chewy dates, chocolate chips, and walnuts—perfect for a comforting dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring applesauce to a boil and add baking soda and chopped dates.
- Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in cooled applesauce mixture, flour, chocolate chips, and walnuts until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, chocolate chips, and walnuts over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Date Applesauce Cake, consider using homemade applesauce for a fresher taste. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter for a richer texture. For a healthier twist, you can reduce the sugar by a third or replace some flour with whole wheat flour, which pairs beautifully with Apple-Nut Stuffed Pork Chops.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. A cup of Holiday Coffee makes a perfect accompaniment to this treat, enhancing its sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Date 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 warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Applesauce Cake contains roughly 640 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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 dates instead of dried ones?
Fresh dates have a higher moisture content compared to dried dates, which may affect the cake's texture. If using fresh dates, reduce the amount of applesauce slightly to maintain the right consistency. Be sure to chop them well for even distribution in the batter.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely for a nut-free version of the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Date Applesauce Cake ahead of time! It actually tastes better after a day as the flavors meld together. Just ensure it is stored properly in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness 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).