Grandma Jones Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake packed with raisins and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and tea time, offering warm spices and rich fruitiness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the applesauce, raisins, and nuts to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Sift together all dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and vanilla to the wet mixture, mixing until the batter is very stiff.
- Pour the batter into two prepared tube or loaf pans.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can use unsweetened applesauce and reduce the overall sugar by half. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the warmth of the spices. Ensure the raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Jones Applesauce Cake contains roughly 359 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 substitute the raisins with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with chopped dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or figs for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the substitute is similarly sweet and moist to achieve the best results in the cake's texture and taste.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Make sure to check the blending ratios on the package, as some gluten-free flours may require additional adjustments or binders like xanthan gum.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure that the applesauce is also free from any dairy additives, which is typically the case with store-bought varieties.
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).