Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake
Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake offers a moist, flavorful treat with warm spices, tender raisins, and a rich apple aroma. Perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, this classic dessert combines the sweetness of applesauce with aromatic spices, making it a comforting choice for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft shortening ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) applesauce (1 3/4 cups) ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless raisins, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease well and flour a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl of an electric mixer.
- Add shortening and applesauce; beat for 1 minute at low speed, just to combine.
- At medium speed, beat for 2 minutes, constantly cleaning the side of the bowl with a rubber scraper and guiding batter into the beaters.
- Add eggs; beat for 2 minutes.
- Combine raisins and chopped walnuts; fold into batter with a rubber scraper.
- Turn batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Frost as desired.
- To serve, cut into rectangles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use different dried fruits like chopped dried apricots or cranberries instead of raisins for a unique twist. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps and ensure a light cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet dessert after dinner. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or casual family meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake contains roughly 316 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% 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 homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresh flavor to your cake. Just ensure it's unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the recipe. If your applesauce is chunky, you may want to blend it until smooth for the best texture in the cake.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both alternatives will provide a rich flavor and moist texture. Just remember that butter will add a slight buttery taste, while coconut oil may impart a light coconut flavor.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as the baking powder and spices. This will help achieve a similar texture and flavor, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dessert.
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).