Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a warm, spiced cake that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. This moist cake, made with applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg, is perfectly sweet and lightly spiced. It’s an easy and wholesome dessert that’s ideal for fall gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy treat. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the applesauce, granulated sugar, and softened butter together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
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Add mix-ins (optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins, if using.
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Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
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Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also top it with frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular milk will work just fine.
- This cake also freezes well; wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg