Mary Imus' Favorite Cake
Mary Imus' Favorite Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with warm spices and apple sauce, offering a delightful combination of cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Its versatile flavor profile makes it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a comforting, homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Pour batter into a large rectangular pan or two 8-inch round layer pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- May add chopped walnuts and/or raisins before baking.
- Sprinkle top with powdered sugar after baking or frost with light chocolate frosting.
- Store well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular baking cocoa. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half a cup of applesauce for half a cup of sugar. Adding chopped walnuts or raisins enhances texture and flavor, making this cake even more delightful. For a vegan version, replace the salad oil with melted coconut oil, ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light chocolate frosting for extra sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh Make-Ahead Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Imus' Favorite Cake contains roughly 247 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute salad oil with another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. You could also use melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile, but make sure it is not solid when mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don't have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas or a similar amount of pureed fruit as a substitute. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).