Holiday Applesauce Cake
Holiday Applesauce Cake is a delightful blend of sweet and spiced flavors, perfect for festive gatherings. The moist texture from chunky applesauce, combined with the richness of butter and a medley of fruits and nuts, makes it a comforting treat that suits all ages.
Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp. sweet butter ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 slightly beaten eggs
- 1 1/2 c. chunky applesauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. maraschino cherry juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 c. dates ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Add 2 slightly beaten eggs and beat well.
- Slowly add the applesauce and stir well.
- Add cherry juice and vanilla.
- In a separate bag, combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, raisins, nuts, dates, salt, and cherries.
- Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture.
- Pour batter into a well-greased and floured pan.
- Bake in a 10-inch tube pan at 350° for about 55 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the applesauce with mashed bananas for added moisture. If you're looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile, complementing the cinnamon and cloves beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday applesauce cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It also makes a great dessert after a hearty meal, such as Fried Venison or Quick Scalloped Potatoes, offering a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Applesauce Cake contains roughly 433 calories, with 7g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 unsweetened applesauce in this recipe?
Yes, using unsweetened applesauce is a great option! It will reduce the overall sugar content of the cake, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine through. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you may want to increase the sugar slightly or add a bit of honey or maple syrup.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this applesauce cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour to help with the cake's structure and texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while it bakes.
Can I freeze the cake for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it at room temperature or warmed up.
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).