One Bowl Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions. Rich with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, it combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with the crunch of nuts and raisins. An easy, one-bowl recipe that yields a comforting treat suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned applesauce ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans.
- Measure all ingredients into a large bowl. Blend for 30 seconds on low speed, then beat for 3 minutes on medium speed, scraping the bowl often.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 50 minutes for layer pans, 60 minutes for a 13 x 9-inch pan, or 70 minutes for a tube pan.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or using brown sugar instead of white for a richer taste. Ensure the shortening is softened for easier blending.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Cake is delicious served plain, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Mom's Plain Cake. It also makes a great addition to coffee or tea time.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Bowl Applesauce Cake contains roughly 306 calories, with 5g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 817mg per serving (36% 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 canned?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can provide a fresher flavor and is a great alternative to canned. Just ensure it is unsweetened and has a similar consistency to store-bought to maintain the cake's moisture balance.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking and check every few minutes until it's fully cooked.
Can I freeze the Applesauce Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
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).