Virginia Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce cake with warm spices and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and those who love a sweet, fruity treat with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter or margarine; add the egg and applesauce and mix well.
- Sift the flour before measuring; set aside.
- Sift some of the flour over the chopped nuts and set aside.
- Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water.
- Add the flour alternately with the water mixture to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Stir in the chopped raisins and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds. To enhance the spices, feel free to increase the cinnamon or allspice to your taste. Additionally, for a subtle twist, you could add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. It also pairs beautifully with Simple Vanilla Pudding for a delightful dessert combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Virginia Applesauce Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a tasty snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Applesauce Cake contains roughly 548 calories, with 9g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1855mg per serving (81% 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 for this cake?
Yes, using store-bought applesauce is perfectly acceptable and can save you time. Just choose a brand without added sugars or flavors for the best results. If you prefer homemade, you can easily make applesauce by cooking peeled, chopped apples with a little water and sugar until soft, then pureeing.
What can I substitute for butter or margarine?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used in place of butter or margarine. For a healthier alternative, unsweetened applesauce can replace half of the fat for a lighter cake. Just remember that the texture may vary slightly with these substitutes.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Virginia Applesauce Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients. Additionally, check that all other ingredients like baking soda and spices are gluten-free.
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).