Whip up this Easy Applesauce Cake, a moist and flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall with every bite. This simple recipe combines the wholesome goodness of applesauce with the rich, warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it the perfect dessert for chilly autumn evenings or a cozy afternoon tea. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this cake promises to be foolproof and delicious.
The Charm of Applesauce in Baking
Applesauce is a fantastic ingredient for baking, not only adding moisture and flavor but also reducing the amount of fat needed in recipes. This cake takes full advantage of applesauce’s benefits, resulting in a tender, lightly spiced cake that’s not too sweet and perfect for pairing with a variety of toppings.
Tips for Perfect Applesauce Cake
- Spice It Right: The cinnamon and nutmeg are key to giving this cake its signature flavor. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best taste.
- Smooth Batter: Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to create a smooth, aerated base for your cake.
- Alternate Additions: When adding the flour mixture and applesauce to the creamed butter, alternate between the two and mix gently to maintain the cake’s light texture.
- Customize with Add-Ins: The addition of raisins or walnuts is optional but recommended for an extra texture and flavor dimension.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Recipe for Easy Applesauce Cake
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Serving: Serves 9
- Equipment: 9×9 inch baking pan
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture alternately with the applesauce to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in raisins or walnuts if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Applesauce Cake is delightful on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also wonderful as a breakfast cake, offering a less sweet alternative to traditional morning pastries. Enjoy this versatile cake with your morning coffee or as a comforting dessert, and savor the flavors of autumn any time of the year.
