Joan'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake with nuts and raisins, perfect for cozy gatherings. Delightful flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice make it a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon double acting baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 2/3 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup thick unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the shortening, water, chopped nuts, raisins, and applesauce; beat for 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and beat for another 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 55 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a healthier twist, swap half of the shortening with applesauce. Ensure your applesauce is thick to maintain the cake's texture. Adding a dash of vanilla extract can elevate the cake's flavor profile. Don't forget to sift your flour for a lighter cake. This recipe is a wonderful alternative to American recipes that require extensive preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or serve it alongside Grandma Jessie'S Banana Bread for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joan'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 281 calories, with 5g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 homemade applesauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a unique flavor to your cake. Just ensure it is thick and unsweetened, as excess moisture can affect the cake's texture. If your applesauce is too runny, consider reducing it on the stove to thicken it before adding it to the batter.
Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This will help bind the ingredients and maintain the cake's texture in vegetarian recipes.
Can I add other fruits or flavors to the cake?
Certainly! You can add chopped apples, crushed pineapple, or even grated carrots for added moisture and flavor. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg or adding a splash of orange juice can also enhance the taste. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the cake from becoming too dense.
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).