Willard'S Grandmother'S Applesauce Cake
A moist, spiced applesauce cake with raisins and warming spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the brown sugar and shortening together until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Stir in the raisins, sour applesauce, and dissolved baking soda until evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Allow to cool slightly, then frost with butter frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure your applesauce is fresh and sour. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter or a vegan butter alternative for a richer flavor. If you want to enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of allspice or ginger. For added texture, walnuts or pecans can be mixed in with the raisins. This cake is great for picnic barbecues or family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this applesauce cake warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside spiced candy apple rings. It also makes a lovely dessert after a hearty meal like church stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Willard'S Grandmother'S Applesauce Cake contains roughly 971 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but the cake may lose some of its rich flavor and moisture. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don't have raisins or prefer something different, you can use chopped dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just ensure the substitutes are chopped into similar sizes to maintain even baking.
Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, you can easily make this cake vegan by replacing the shortening with a plant-based butter and using a vegan sour applesauce alternative. Also, ensure that the baking soda is free from animal-derived additives, which is generally the case.
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).