Spicy Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake with warm flavors like cinnamon and cloves, perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy treat for apple lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 cup hot water ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and granulated sugar.
- Blend in the egg and applesauce.
- Sift together the flour, salt, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and baking powder.
- Dissolve the baking soda in hot water.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the baking soda mixture to the applesauce mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using applesauce without added sugars. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. To enhance the spice flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. This cake can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you sift it well for a smooth batter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai or coffee. For an extra treat, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a slice of Lemon-Lime Sherbet for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spicy Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Applesauce Cake contains roughly 361 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a richer flavor to the cake. Just ensure it is unsweetened to maintain the balance of sweetness from the sugars in the recipe.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then add it to the batter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary based on your oven and the pan used.
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).