Rustic Applesauce Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Welcome to the cozy world of Rustic Applesauce Cake! This recipe combines the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of applesauce to create a cake that's both comforting and heartwarming. It's perfect for a chilly evening when you need a little something to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Rustic Applesauce Cake

Unsweetened applesauce is the star of this cake, providing moisture and a subtle apple flavor without adding extra sugar. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to sweeten the cake and add a hint of molasses richness from the brown sugar. Unsalted butter brings richness and helps create a tender crumb. Eggs bind everything together for structure.

All-purpose flour forms the base of our cake, while baking soda and baking powder leaven it, ensuring a nice rise. Salt enhances all the flavors, and the trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves delivers the warm, spicy notes that make this cake so inviting. Finally, raisins add bursts of sweetness, and chopped walnuts introduce a pleasant crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't like raisins, try substituting with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
  • For a more intense spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of ginger.
  • To prevent nuts and raisins from sinking, toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Rustic Applesauce Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra special treat, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top. It's also delightful served slightly warm with a cup of ginger tea or spiced cider on a cool autumn day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the sugar a little to avoid an overly sweet cake.
How do I store the cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Rustic Applesauce Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready when your batter is. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan; you don't want your cake sticking, trust me!

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture. This might take about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the applesauce until everything is nicely blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture gradually, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so keep it gentle!

Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a one-bowl wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
  • Moist, tender cake with a delightful mix of spices.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness without being overly sugary.
  • Flexibility to add your favorite nuts or dried fruit.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Fold in the raisins and walnuts gently.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before serving.

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