Saucy Apple Cake
A moist, spiced apple cake bursting with raisins and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, offering warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Blend nuts and raisins with 1 tablespoon of the sifted dry ingredients.
- Cream shortening, then add sugars, and blend in the egg.
- Add applesauce, alternating with the sifted dry ingredients.
- Fold in the floured nuts and raisins.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a lightly greased and floured 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist Saucy Apple Cake, ensure your applesauce is fresh or homemade. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for richer flavor. If you prefer, swap out raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates. Adjust spices to your taste, perhaps adding more cinnamon or trying a pinch of ginger for extra warmth. This cake can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Saucy Apple Cake warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Ice Cream Butterscotch Sauce for an indulgent treat. For a brunch option, consider serving it alongside Ginger Muffins or as part of a dessert spread with other sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. This cake remains delicious even after a few days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Apple Cake contains roughly 581 calories, with 10g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% 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 cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Saucy Apple Cake a day in advance. Just store it wrapped at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If desired, you can warm individual slices before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! This cake freezes well. After cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can omit them entirely or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch. You can also substitute with extra raisins or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
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).