Grandma’s Applesauce Cake

Nothing says comfort like a warm, fragrant cake straight out of the oven. This Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations, and for good reason. With its soft, spiced crumb and the natural sweetness of applesauce, this cake brings all the nostalgic, cozy feels. The rich cinnamon and nutmeg aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is the kind of smell that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a family favorite for so many years!

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Applesauce Cake

There’s just something magical about this cake. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, and every bite feels like a little piece of history. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Comforting & Cozy:

This cake is like a slice of home. The combination of applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg makes it feel like the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee on a chilly afternoon.

Easy to Make:

You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this cake. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have it ready in no time—no fancy equipment required.

Moist & Flavorful:

Thanks to the applesauce, this cake is incredibly moist and full of flavor. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the spices to shine through. And the best part? It stays moist for days, making it perfect for leftovers.

Versatile:

This cake is great on its own, but it can also be dressed up with a simple glaze or powdered sugar for a special touch. Serve it for dessert, breakfast, or as a sweet snack.

Ingredients in Grandma’s Applesauce Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this sweet, spiced cake:

Applesauce:

The star of the show! Applesauce adds moisture and a hint of natural sweetness to the cake, keeping it tender and flavorful.

All-Purpose Flour:

The base of the cake, giving it structure and a light texture. If you want a denser cake, you can experiment with whole wheat flour.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder:

These two ingredients help the cake rise, making it light and fluffy, while keeping the crumb soft.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg:

These warming spices give the cake its signature cozy flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it!

Eggs:

They help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s moisture and texture.

Sugar:

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create the perfect balance of flavors in the cake.

Vegetable Oil:

Adds richness to the cake and ensures it stays moist.

Salt:

A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract:

A little vanilla extract brings everything together and adds a subtle, sweet undertone.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delightful applesauce cake:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Mix Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the cake.

Pour and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a glaze if you’d like.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice up a piece of this comforting cake and enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

How to Serve Grandma’s Applesauce Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but here are a few ideas for how you can serve it:

With Whipped Cream:

Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

With a Simple Glaze:

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the top.

As a Snack:

This cake is perfect for an afternoon snack, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to enjoy any time of day.

For Breakfast:

It’s sweet, spiced, and filling, making it a great option for a light breakfast. Serve it with some fresh fruit or a side of yogurt.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you make the perfect Grandma’s Applesauce Cake:

Use Unsweetened Applesauce:

If you want more control over the sweetness of the cake, opt for unsweetened applesauce. You can always add a bit more sugar if needed.

Let It Sit:

This cake actually gets better after it sits for a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Add Nuts or Raisins:

If you want to mix things up, try adding chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for a little extra texture and flavor.

Make It a Layer Cake:

For a more indulgent version, split the batter into two cake pans and layer the cake with frosting or whipped cream in between.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)

• Calories: 225
• Total Fat: 10g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 25mg (8% DV)
• Sodium: 140mg (6% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A1: Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will make the cake a bit denser, but it will still taste delicious.

Q2: Can I add other fruits to this cake?

A2: Absolutely! You can add raisins, chopped apples, or even pears for added texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A3: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the other ingredients for gluten.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?

A4: Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight before serving.

Q5: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A5: Yes, this cake actually tastes better the day after it’s baked! Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q6: Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

A6: Yes, you can! Just substitute in the same amount, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Q7: What kind of applesauce should I use?

A7: Use unsweetened applesauce for more control over the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter cake, go ahead and use sweetened applesauce.

Q8: Can I add frosting to this cake?

A8: Yes! Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze would go wonderfully with this cake for extra sweetness.

Q9: How should I store the leftover cake?

A9: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Q10: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

A10: Yes! You can use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the cake will bake faster in a smaller pan.

Conclusion

This Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is the perfect treat to bring a little nostalgia into your kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and delicious—just like the cakes you remember from childhood. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, this cake will always be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll want to bake it again and again. Enjoy every bite of this timeless classic!

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