Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen as you bake a delicious Applesauce Spice Cake.
This simple, cozy dessert is a breeze to whip up, making it a cherished favorite for its warm, spiced flavors and moist texture.
As the batter transforms into a golden, fragrant cake, anticipation builds for that first delightful bite.
Let’s bring this inviting treat to life and indulge in its comforting embrace.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 baking pan (9×13 inch)
- 1 spatula
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and baking the Applesauce Spice Cake, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Spend the first few minutes reading the entire recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This will guarantee you have everything you need before starting.
- Prepping Ingredients (10 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease the 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Measure out and prepare all ingredients, including chopping the walnuts if using.
- Mixing Ingredients (15 minutes):
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Baking (45 minutes):
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Resting & Serving (10 minutes):
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant finish.
- Whipped Cream Dollop: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the spice flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for an added layer of sweetness and indulgence.
- Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish with thin slices of fresh apple for a rejuvenating and complementary touch.
Storage
To store Applesauce Spice Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Keep it at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Applesauce Spice Cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in an airtight container.
Thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Applesauce Spice Cake, preheat the oven to 300°F.
Cover the cake with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, use a microwave for quick reheating.
Final Thoughts
The Applesauce Spice Cake is a delightful and aromatic dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm spices.
Its moist texture, thanks to the applesauce, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy option for a homemade dessert.
Baking this cake will fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Whether enjoyed on its own or adorned with powdered sugar or whipped cream, this cake is sure to please.
For those who love a bit of crunch, the optional addition of walnuts is a wonderful complement.
Be sure to let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking to guarantee the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture. Use 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour instead of 2 cups all-purpose. Consider increasing moisture by adding extra applesauce or an additional egg.
Is It Possible to Make This Cake Vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use plant-based butter, and verify sugar is vegan. Opt for unsweetened applesauce and substitute non-dairy milk if needed for consistency adjustments.
How Can I Make the Cake Gluten-Free?
To make the cake gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Verify all other ingredients, like baking soda and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free.
What Type of Applesauce Works Best for This Recipe?
Use unsweetened applesauce for ideal flavor balance. It provides moisture without adding extra sweetness, maintaining the cake’s spice profile. Guarantee it’s smooth to blend seamlessly into the batter, enhancing texture and consistency without altering the taste.
Can I Add Other Spices for a Different Flavor Profile?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of each and adjust to taste. Make sure these complement existing flavors and don’t overpower the primary spice profile.
Applesauce Spice Cake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 9×13 inch baking pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
