Spice Applesauce Cake
A warmly spiced applesauce cake featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts, with moist texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and lightly flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in applesauce until well blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in raisins.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a bit of vegetable oil along with the butter. You can substitute half the sugar with applesauce or a sugar alternative for a lighter version. If you don’t have raisins, chopped nuts or dried cranberries work well too. Adjust spices according to your preference; a dash of allspice or ginger could enhance the flavor. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or alongside Farm-Style Oatmeal Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This Spice Applesauce Cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee. Consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a light meal. For a festive touch, try it alongside Cheesecake Mincemeat Pie during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the cake moist, you can also cover it with plastic wrap. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold as a delightful snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spice Applesauce Cake contains roughly 504 calories, with 2g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% 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 unsweetened applesauce in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use unsweetened applesauce. Just keep in mind that it will reduce the overall sweetness of the cake, so you may want to adjust the sugar to taste. The spices will still provide a wonderful flavor balance, making it a great option for those looking to cut down on sugar.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to generously grease and flour the baking pan before pouring in the batter. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for added assurance. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before attempting to remove it, which helps it release more easily.
Can I freeze the Spice Applesauce Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and you can gently reheat it in the oven if desired.
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).