Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dessert, you’ll love this applesauce cake recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and filled with warm spices that remind me of cozy autumn days.
The combination of applesauce and spices creates a rich, tender crumb that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! I often whip it up when I want something sweet but don’t have much time.
The addition of walnuts and raisins adds a delightful crunch and chewiness. Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients of Applesauce Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients on hand can make all the difference. This applesauce cake recipe is no exception! The beauty of this cake lies in its simple yet delightful components. You don’t need to scour the grocery store for exotic items; most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat.
Ingredients for Applesauce Cake:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 2 large eggs (which is about 1/2 cup when beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup raisins
Now, let’s talk about a few things to reflect on when gathering your ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to swap them out for pecans or even leave them out altogether. I mean, who doesn’t love customizing their cake?
And regarding the applesauce, make sure it’s unsweetened, or your cake might end up sweeter than your last birthday party. When it comes to spices, fresh ones can really elevate the flavor, so if you have a spice jar that’s been sitting in your cupboard since 2010, it might be time for a refresh.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And who knows, you might just impress yourself (or your friends) with this cozy, spiced delight. Ready to get baking?
How to Make Applesauce Cake
Making an Applesauce Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an adventure in your kitchen that will fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and sweetness. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delightful treat.
First, grab your mixing bowl and 1/2 cup of shortening. You’ll want to combine this with 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix it up at the lowest speed for about a minute. If you’re using a hand mixer, just guide the mixture with a rubber scraper to help it along. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a little crumbly and fluffy—this is perfectly normal. If you’re feeling old-school and mixing by hand, a pastry blender or two knives will work just fine. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Next, let’s spice things up! Add in 1 1/4 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt—yes, that’s 1 teaspoon too. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of clove, and 1/2 teaspoon of allspice. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
Blend these ingredients well before adding just 2 tablespoons of your applesauce—this will help everything come together. Once that’s mixed in, add the rest of the 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened applesauce. You want to blend it in until just combined. A good rule of thumb is to stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any streaks of flour.
Now, toss in 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, folding them in gently.
Finally, pour your batter into a greased 9x12x2-inch pan and spread it evenly. Pop that beauty into the oven, preheated to 350°F, and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Patience is key here; it’s like waiting for your favorite show to come back for another season. Once it’s out and cooled, you’ll have a moist, flavorful applesauce cake that’s perfect for any occasion—or just a cozy night in.
Who knew baking could be this much fun? Now, go ahead and enjoy a slice (or two) without any guilt—after all, you made it!
Applesauce Cake Substitutions & Variations
While baking an applesauce cake is a delightful experience, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate it to a whole new level.
For a healthier twist, I often swap half the shortening for unsweetened Greek yogurt. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
I also love adding spices like ginger or cardamom for extra warmth. To mix things up, try incorporating different add-ins, like dried cranberries or pecans.
You can even replace applesauce with mashed bananas for a unique flavor. These tweaks make my applesauce cake even more exciting and delicious!
Additional Tips & Notes
Experimenting with substitutions and variations can truly enhance your applesauce cake, but it’s also important to contemplate a few tips for the best results.
First, make sure your applesauce is unsweetened for balanced flavors. I recommend using room temperature eggs; they blend better.
If you’re adding nuts or raisins, chop them finely for even distribution. For a moister cake, consider using a bit more applesauce or adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Ultimately, let the cake cool completely before slicing—it helps maintain its structure. Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference in your final product! Enjoy!