Nana Nonie'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake with raisins and nuts, perfect for teatime or dessert, offering warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Add margarine or oil and applesauce to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in raisins and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of Nana Nonie's Applesauce Cake, substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds. For added moisture, consider using a mixture of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Adjust the spices to your taste; for example, try adding ginger for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Cantaloupe Parfait for a refreshing contrast. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside Lemon Strawberry Pie at gatherings. Enjoy it as a sweet treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana Nonie'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 835 calories, with 8g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1888mg per serving (82% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour in this recipe. However, it may result in a denser cake. For the best texture, consider using a blend of both flours, which will maintain moisture while adding some whole grain goodness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Nana Nonie's Applesauce Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious and satisfying.
How can I make this cake vegan?
To make this cake vegan, replace the margarine with coconut oil or a plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to the batter. Adjust the sugar if needed, ensuring it fits your dietary preferences.
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).