Theresa Shea'S Applesauce Cake
A moist and flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices and raisins, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, appealing to those who enjoy classic, fruity desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together thoroughly.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Gradually blend in the sifted flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir in raisins and walnuts.
- Turn the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Cool in the pan before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nutty flavor, feel free to add chopped walnuts to the batter. You can also experiment with different spices, like cardamom or ginger, to give a unique twist. Ensure the raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This applesauce cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside coffee or tea. It also complements a hearty breakfast when paired with yogurt and fresh fruit. Consider serving it with slices of cheese for a balanced snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Theresa Shea'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 682 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. 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 make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. This should result in a moist and delicious gluten-free applesauce cake.
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).