Grandma'S One Bowl Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake infused with cinnamon and molasses, topped with confectioners sugar or a tangy lemon glaze—perfect for cozy gatherings and seasonal treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients into a bowl.
- Blend in butter; add molasses, egg, and applesauce.
- Beat well until smooth.
- Stir in raisins.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar or prepare a glaze using 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice and 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, then pour over the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before mixing. If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. To enhance the cake's moisture, consider adding a mashed banana or an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce. For an extra touch, add chopped nuts or substitute raisins with dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Consider serving it alongside a warm beverage like chai tea or coffee for a cozy treat. It can also be a wonderful dessert after a hearty meal, such as Old-Fashioned Corn Dogs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S One Bowl Applesauce Cake contains roughly 597 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1554mg per serving (68% 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 whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture may be denser. If using whole wheat flour, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to maintain moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! To make this applesauce cake vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. You can also swap the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Can I freeze the applesauce cake for later?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or allow it to sit at room temperature for a few hours.
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).