Are you craving a comforting and moist cake that’s bursting with warm flavors? Look no further than our delightful Applesauce Cake! This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like applesauce, cinnamon, and pecans, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we explore how to make this delicious treat from scratch, including variations for keto and low-carb diets.
Introduction
Applesauce Cake is a timeless dessert that’s loved by all. Its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet flavor make it the perfect treat for any time of year. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a delicious cake ready to enjoy in no time. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 2 Eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup golden raisins or raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Frosting:
- 1/3 cup Butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and allspice. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the golden raisins and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added flavor and decoration, if desired.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve it to your eager guests. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend in this cake to suit your taste preferences. Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Swap Mix-Ins: If you’re not a fan of raisins or pecans, you can substitute them with other mix-ins like chopped apples, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version of this cake, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this Applesauce Cake, you can replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia in place of sugar, and adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. You can also omit the raisins and use chopped nuts sparingly to reduce the carb content further.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Additionally, you can use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to replace the all-purpose flour for a lower-carb alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade applesauce in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use homemade applesauce if you prefer. Simply peel, core, and dice apples, then cook them with a little water until soft. Mash or blend the cooked apples until smooth to make homemade applesauce.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I omit the frosting? A: While the frosting adds extra sweetness and flavor to the cake, you can certainly omit it if desired. The cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Our Applesauce Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet flavor, it’s sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simple weeknight treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, you can make it your own with ease. So why wait? Try our delicious Applesauce Cake recipe today and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
