Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a moist, spiced cake made with unsweetened applesauce, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This classic dessert features a tender crumb and optional walnuts or raisins for added texture. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or an everyday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 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 to ensure easy cake removal after baking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves (if using), and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined each time to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins if you are including them, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the mix-ins.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring to the wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze (optional): While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy your moist, flavorful applesauce cake!
Notes
- Using unsweetened applesauce keeps the cake moist without adding extra sugar; adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang; regular milk can be substituted if unavailable.
- Ground cloves add warmth but are optional if you prefer a milder spice.
- For a nut-free option, omit walnuts and substitute raisins or leave mix-ins out entirely.
- Glaze can be omitted or replaced with a cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
