Grilled Applesauce Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices, perfect for outdoor grilling and ideal for gatherings or cozy afternoons. Deliciously unique and easy to make.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups applesauce
  • 2 1/2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple juice

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
  2. Stir in applesauce.
  3. Sift together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt; add to mixture, mixing well.
  4. Pour batter into a greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan.
  5. Preheat the gas grill.
  6. Cook with the cover down using indirect cooking method on high setting for 40 minutes, or until done.
  7. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove from pan and cool thoroughly on a wire rack.
  9. Combine confectioners sugar and apple juice; drizzle over the cooled cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg works well. To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter. Make sure the grill is preheated to ensure even cooking, and always use the indirect cooking method to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive twist, consider drizzling it with *White Butter Cream Frosting* or serving it with fresh fruit on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Grilled Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grilled Applesauce Cake contains roughly 447 calories, with 7g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

447 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 85.5g 31% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 21.5g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 551.9mg 24% DV
Potassium 265.2mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 37.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90.2mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Calcium 66.2mg 5% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 homemade applesauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresh flavor and is a great way to use up excess apples. Just ensure it has a smooth consistency. If it's too chunky, blend it briefly before adding it to the batter to achieve the desired texture.

What adjustments can I make for dietary restrictions?

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a plant-based oil. To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients meet your dietary needs.

How can I tell when the cake is done cooking?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue grilling for a few more minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

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).

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