If you’ve ever wished you could taste the heartwarming goodness of a meal straight from Walton’s Mountain, this Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake is just what you need. Imagine the comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen, paired with the rich, moist texture of a cake that’s sweet, but not overly sugary—just like something Olivia Walton would bake with love and care for her family. This cake brings all those nostalgic, cozy vibes, and trust me, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake
- Warm and Cozy: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and applesauce creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cooler months or whenever you need a little slice of home.
- Moist and Flavorful: This cake is super moist, thanks to the applesauce. It’s light yet dense enough to satisfy, and the flavor deepens as it cools, making it the perfect cake to enjoy over a few days.
- Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment or ingredients. This cake comes together quickly and with minimal effort, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a no-fuss dessert.
- Versatile: You can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or top it with a simple glaze, or even serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
- Family-Approved: Just like Olivia Walton’s cooking, this cake has a little bit of everything—sweet, spiced, and comforting—so it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting, nostalgic cake:
- Applesauce: The star of the show! It adds moisture and a mild sweetness, keeping the cake soft and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake, creating that perfect crumb.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it that light texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s essential to this cake.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch of nutmeg enhances the spices and adds depth to the flavor.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cake just enough without being overpowering.
- Eggs: These help bind the cake together and provide structure.
- Butter: A little butter brings richness to the flavor, giving the cake a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake:
Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the cake once it’s baked.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the spices evenly through the batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if a few small lumps remain.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this step!
Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as is, or top with a simple glaze or powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness.
How to Serve Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes this cake feel extra special, adding lightness and sweetness.
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- With a Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top of the cake for an added layer of sweetness.
- As a Snack or Breakfast: This cake is not just for dessert! It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead of time for an even more flavorful treat.
- Use Homemade Applesauce: If you have homemade applesauce, this is a great time to use it! The fresher the applesauce, the better the cake.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: If you want to add extra texture and flavor, consider folding in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the batter.
- Storage: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9 servings
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture might be a little denser.
Q2: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A2: Yes! You can substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce for the eggs.
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the flour’s packaging for any adjustments.
Q4: Can I add more spices to this cake?
A4: Yes! If you love spices, feel free to add extra cinnamon or even a pinch of ground cloves for an added depth of flavor.
Q5: Can I freeze Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, and let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q6: Can I add frosting to this cake?
A6: While it’s great on its own, you can definitely add cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream if you want a richer finish.
Q7: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A7: The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Q8: Can I use unsweetened applesauce?
A8: Yes, unsweetened applesauce works well in this recipe, but you may want to add a little extra sugar to maintain the sweetness.
Q9: How should I store the leftovers?
A9: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Q10: Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
A10: Sure! If you use a larger or smaller pan, you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Just keep an eye on the cake as it bakes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm embrace—a comforting, homey cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys a slice. So gather the family around, enjoy the simple pleasures, and share this cake with the people you love.
PrintOlivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Applesauce Cake, inspired by Olivia Walton of The Waltons, is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Packed with rich flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of applesauce, this cake is moist and delicious. Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a nostalgic treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the applesauce and buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in the walnuts or raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for 8-inch round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
- This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of the recipe)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg