Judy'S Applesauce Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or teatime, adaptable with nuts or raisins for added texture and sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 1/2 cups applesauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup shortening

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool slightly before frosting with your choice of frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider using homemade applesauce or adding a bit of vanilla extract. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be substituted for a richer flavor. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups without significant changes to texture.

Serving Suggestions

This applesauce cake is delightful on its own or served with a cream cheese frosting for added richness. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Molded Cranberry Relish Or Salad for a balanced dessert spread. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last for about a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Judy'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 551 calories, with 14g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2267mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

551 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.8g 28% DV
Total Fat 6.4g 8% DV
Carbs 121.8g 44% DV
Fiber 14.6g 52% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2266.6mg 99% DV
Potassium 719.9mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 55.3mg 61% DV
Calcium 515.8mg 40% DV
Iron 7.7mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains 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 in this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce is a great choice and can enhance the flavor of the cake. Just ensure it's unsweetened to maintain the sugar balance in the recipe. If your applesauce is very thick, you might want to add a splash more water to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make Judy's Applesauce Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

What can I use if I don't have allspice?

If you don't have allspice on hand, a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can serve as a suitable substitute. Use 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to mimic the warm, spicy flavor of allspice without altering the overall taste of the cake.

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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