Old Fashion Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices and raisins, perfect for cozy gatherings or teatime, offering a rich, fruity twist on classic cake favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients together: flour, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Mix sugar, applesauce, and melted butter until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in raisins evenly into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a bit of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. If you don't have applesauce, mashed bananas can be a great substitute. You can also experiment with adding chopped nuts or swapping in whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour for added texture. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the cake warm or at room temperature, and consider dusting with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Applesauce-Oatmeal Tea Bread for added variety.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Applesauce Cake contains roughly 806 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% 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 need to be cooked down and pureed to create a similar consistency to applesauce. This may alter the moisture content, so adjust the baking time accordingly. Using store-bought applesauce is often more straightforward for this recipe.
What can I do if I don't have raisins?
If you don't have raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you could omit the dried fruit altogether or even add in chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets remain. It can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before slicing.
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).