Mama Ford'S Applesauce Cake
Mama Ford's Applesauce Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the warmth of cinnamon and cloves with the natural sweetness of applesauce and raisins. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family moments, its rich texture and nutty crunch make it a comforting treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Thoroughly grease and dust a 10-inch tube pan with flour.
- Pour boiling water over raisins and let stand while preparing the cake.
- Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until fluffy.
- Beat in the brown sugar, then add the applesauce and beat until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the sifted flour mixture, mixing only until no dry particles remain.
- Drain the soaked raisins.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped black walnuts into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the black walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch. Ensure raisins are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter. This cake is perfect for using up any leftover applesauce from making Heirloom Butter Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the applesauce cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or coffee. You can also enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat alongside yogurt or fresh fruit. This cake is a fantastic companion to 3-Layer Raisin Pie during family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or enjoy cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Ford'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 677 calories, with 8g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1052mg per serving (46% 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 different types of nuts in the cake?
Absolutely! While black walnuts add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to chop them finely to distribute the nutty flavor evenly throughout the cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this applesauce cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a small amount to help mimic the texture of traditional flour.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your applesauce cake sinks, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Ensure you measure the baking time accurately and test for doneness with a toothpick. Also, avoid overmixing after adding the flour mixture to maintain a light texture.
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).