Fancy Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake packed with raisins, nuts, and spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings, it develops rich flavor after resting for about a week.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, shortening, and eggs.
- Add hot applesauce with baking soda; beat well.
- Add sifted flour, salt, cinnamon, and cloves; beat well.
- Fold in raisins, chopped nuts, and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Pour batter into a tube pan.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then wrap in wine cloth and store in a tight container.
- Let stand about a week or 10 days before eating for full flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or yogurt. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. For a different twist, try using dried cranberries instead of raisins. Make sure to sift the flour for better incorporation into the batter, similar to tips found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Fancy Applesauce Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Euna'S Sweet Potato Casserole (Very Good!) for a festive meal. Enjoy alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement the warm spices in the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. This cake's flavor improves with time, so it's even better after a few days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy Applesauce Cake contains roughly 2222 calories, with 24g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 137g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser. Be sure to adjust the liquid ingredients if needed to maintain the right consistency.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, you can substitute with diced fresh cherries or even candied cherries for a sweeter option. Dried cherries or cranberries also work well and add a different flavor profile to the cake.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes better after a few days as the flavors meld together. You can bake it up to a week in advance. Just store it properly, as mentioned, and allow it to sit for a week or 10 days before serving for the best flavor.
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).