Applesauce cake is a scrumptious, moist dessert that brings the warmth of homemade baking right to your kitchen. This cake not only tantalizes your taste buds but also carries a nostalgia that reminds many of family gatherings and celebratory moments. With its rich spices and the comforting sweetness of applesauce, it’s no wonder that this cake is a cherished recipe in many households.
Why We Love This Applesauce Cake Recipe
There are numerous reasons to adore this recipe. First, it is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal special tools or techniques. You don’t need to be a master chef to achieve a perfectly risen cake with a lovely spongy texture. The magic of this cake lies in its ingredients, which come together harmoniously to create something extraordinary. The warmth and comforting notes of cinnamon, ginger, and walnuts mixed with the rich applesauce ensure that every bite is a delightful experience. Also, as it is relatively healthier compared to other cakes, you can indulge without too much guilt.
So let’s dive into this delicious applesauce cake recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just a treat for yourself, following these steps will lead you to a moist, scrumptious cake that you’ll be proud to share.
Ingredients about Applesauce Cake
To prepare this delightful applesauce cake, gather these essential ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Applesauce Cake Directions
Creating the perfect applesauce cake begins with preparation. Don’t rush this part; take your time to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.
Prepare the baking pan: Take a 13×9-inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly. For easy removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Make sure to combine these ingredients thoroughly so that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed.
Add the walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts at this stage. They will provide a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to your cake.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce will not only add moisture but also give the cake a natural sweetness.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure even baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven, and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. After that, you can transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: While the cake is cooling, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and milk, mixing until smooth. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Frost the cake: Once your cake is completely cool, frost the top generously with the prepared icing. For a touch of elegance, you may sprinkle some walnuts on top for garnish.
With these steps, you’ve just created a beautiful and scrumptious applesauce cake to enjoy.
How to Serve Applesauce Cake
When it comes to serving your delicious applesauce cake, consider how you want to present it. You can serve it plain or topped with extra frosting and walnuts. If you desire a little more flair, you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside a slice of the cake.
Present it on a decorative cake stand for gatherings; it makes for a lovely centerpiece! For a cozy evening, enjoy a slice with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re serving guests, consider cutting the cake into squares for easy serving, allowing everyone to enjoy a piece.
Additionally, pairing the cake with seasonal fruits can enhance your dessert experience. Sliced apples, in particular, can be a delightful addition. Their natural crunch complements the cakey softness beautifully.
Expert Tips: Applesauce Cake
Creating a perfect applesauce cake is not just about following the recipe; there are several expert tips you can employ to elevate your baking game.
Measure accurately: Always make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Use a spoon to aerate the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
Use unsweetened applesauce: To control the sweetness, opt for unsweetened applesauce. This will ensure that your cake isn’t cloyingly sweet.
Mix carefully: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can lead to a tougher texture. Stir until just combined for a soft, fluffy cake.
Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love nutmeg or cloves, adding a pinch can bring a delightful twist to the flavor profile.
Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so be sure to keep an eye on your cake during the baking process. Every oven is different.
Cool completely before frosting: It can be tempting to frost while the cake is still warm, but letting it cool completely prevents the frosting from melting, resulting in a more attractive presentation.
These tips can make a significant difference in your final product, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake that impresses.
How to Store Applesauce Cake
After enjoying your delicious creation, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Storing your applesauce cake properly is essential for maintaining its freshness.
Room temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, simply cover it securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly to avoid absorbing odors from other foods.
Freezing: Should you have a considerable amount left over, consider freezing it. Slice the cake into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve.
Proper storage ensures that every bite of your applesauce cake remains delectable for days to come.
Variations of Applesauce Cake
While the classic recipe is undeniably delightful, don’t shy away from experimenting with different variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with gluten restrictions. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Cranberry applesauce cake: For added tartness, mix in some cranberry sauce or dried cranberries that can combine beautifully with the sweetness of applesauce.
Pumpkin applesauce cake: Combine applesauce with pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired twist. The additional spices from pumpkin pie spice enhance the flavor.
Chocochip applesauce cake: For chocolate lovers, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the batter. Their gooeyness adds a scrumptious element that can’t be beaten.
Nut variations: While walnuts are the featured nut in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for pecans or hazelnuts depending on your preference.
These variations ensure that your applesauce cake can be tailored to every occasion or craving!
FAQ Section
What is an applesauce cake?
Applesauce cake is a moist and spiced cake that uses applesauce as one of its main ingredients, providing natural sweetness and a tender texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of my applesauce cake?
To elevate the flavor, try adding additional spices or ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate. Each addition brings its unique twist to this classic dessert!
Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a fresher taste to your cake, and since you control the sugar, it can further tailor the taste to your liking.
How should I store leftover applesauce cake?
You can store your leftover applesauce cake at room temperature for a few days, in the refrigerator for an extended period, or freeze it for longer storage.
What occasions are perfect for serving applesauce cake?
This delightful cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive holidays. It’s a versatile choice for any dessert table.
How long does the applesauce cake last?
When stored properly, your applesauce cake can last for several days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, or about three months in the freezer.
Applesauce Cake
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- In another bowl, mix together applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and milk, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top generously with icing and garnish with walnuts if desired.
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