Mammy'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced apple cake with walnuts and raisins, perfect for holiday tables or a comforting snack. Sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger mingle with applesauce for a fragrant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. shortening ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 1 pkg. raisins ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soda, dissolved in hot water ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped black walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. applesauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 3 to 3 1/2 c. flour or enough to make a stiff dough ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sugar, shortening, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, raisins, soda dissolved in hot water, black walnuts, salt, applesauce, baking powder, and flour until a stiff dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using applesauce with no added sugar or replacing half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you don’t have black walnuts, regular walnuts or pecans can be substituted. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious applesauce cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It can also be served as a sweet breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or serve with a side of warm Honey-Coconut Toast for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mammy'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 401 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1317mg per serving (57% 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 fresh apples instead of applesauce?
While fresh apples can be used, they will require additional preparation. You would need to cook and puree them to achieve a similar consistency as applesauce. This may alter the moisture content and flavor profile of the cake, so adjustments may be necessary.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using mashed avocado or unsweetened applesauce for part of the shortening to reduce the fat content while still achieving a moist cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking around the 50-minute mark, especially if you’re using a dark or nonstick pan.
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).