Mom'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices and optional nuts and raisins, perfect for dessert or coffee treats, appealing to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 small can applesauce or 1 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped raisins (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and melt margarine in the baking dish.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Add the brown sugar and applesauce to the melted margarine and mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the applesauce mixture, stirring with a fork until well mixed.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add chopped nuts and raisins if desired.
- Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish, smoothing the surface.
- Bake for 40 minutes if plain, or 50 to 55 minutes if nuts and raisins are added.
- Allow the cake to cool, then dust with sifted powdered sugar or serve with Cool Whip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with applesauce. This will keep the cake moist while reducing fat. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added nutrition. If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Don't skip the sifted cocoa powder; it deepens the flavor profile of this classic American recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with Cool Whip for a creamy contrast. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You might also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a more wholesome option, consider a side of Tasty Nut Granola to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 334 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this applesauce cake vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this cake vegan by substituting the stick of margarine with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that the applesauce you use is unsweetened and check that other ingredients, like baking powder, are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this classic cake.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar instead, but you may want to add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great substitute that adds a similar richness and depth without significantly altering the taste of the cake.
How can I make this cake more festive for holidays?
To add a festive touch to your applesauce cake, consider mixing in dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger for a seasonal flavor. You can also top it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a shiny finish. Dusting it with powdered sugar before serving adds an elegant touch, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
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).