Tressies' Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake infused with warm spices, cherry and pineapple preserves, and crunchy pecans—perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the applesauce, oleo, and baking soda in a saucepan and heat until the oleo is melted. Let cool.
- Combine the cooled mixture with sugar, cinnamon, chives, nutmeg, flour, preserves, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the oleo with unsalted butter. If you prefer a vegan option, consider using coconut oil instead. Make sure to sift your flour to avoid clumps, and for added moisture, try adding a mashed banana or a bit of yogurt. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Tressies' Applesauce Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Ruth'S Creamed Potatoes as a side dish for a cozy meal. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover applesauce cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, allowing it to last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tressies' Applesauce Cake contains roughly 312 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1267mg per serving (55% 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 store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought applesauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a variety that is unsweetened or lightly sweetened to control the overall sweetness of the cake. Avoid flavored applesauce to maintain the intended flavor profile.
What if I don't have cherry or pineapple preserves?
You can easily substitute other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot if you don't have cherry or pineapple. The key is to use preserves that complement the flavors of the cake. Alternatively, you can omit the preserves altogether for a simpler version.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including baking soda and preserves, are gluten-free as well.
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).