Thanksgiving Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake featuring cinnamon, cloves, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and those who enjoy warm, fruity desserts with a rich texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in applesauce.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chopped nuts, raisins, and cut-up orange gum candy.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half applesauce and half mashed bananas as a substitute. If you prefer a healthier option, replace shortening with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding a pinch of ginger can enhance the flavor. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving Applesauce Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. For a festive touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with chopped nuts. It also complements savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Applesauce Cake contains roughly 791 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1171mg 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 use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can enhance the flavor of your cake. Just ensure it's smooth and has no large chunks. Adjust sugar levels in the recipe if your applesauce is sweetened.
What can I use instead of orange gum candy?
If you can't find orange gum candy, try using diced dried apricots or candied orange peel for a similar citrusy sweetness. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely for a more traditional applesauce cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown.
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).