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
Scale
- 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