Spiced Chai Applesauce Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're in the mood for a cozy, spice-filled treat, this Spiced Chai Applesauce Cake is just the ticket. It's a harmonious blend of warm spices and apple goodness, perfect for a chilly day or as a comforting dessert. Let’s dive into the sweet simplicity of this delightful cake.

Ingredients for Spiced Chai Applesauce Cake

The magic begins with flour, which provides the structure. Baking soda and baking powder help the cake rise just right. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The heart of the cake is in the spices — cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves — which create that unmistakable chai warmth. Butter adds richness, while granulated sugar and brown sugar offer sweetness and a hint of molasses depth. Eggs give the cake stability and richness. Applesauce keeps things moist and adds a subtle fruitiness. Vanilla extract ties everything together with its fragrant notes. Finally, walnuts are optional but provide a lovely texture contrast.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a more even batter.
  • For a deeper flavor, toast the walnuts before folding them into the batter.
  • Check your spices for freshness; they should be fragrant and full of aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or apple cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
What if I don’t have cardamom?
You can substitute with a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Spiced Chai Applesauce Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is a good time to grease your 9-inch round cake pan so you’re ready when the batter is.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking agents and spices, so you get a consistent flavor and rise.

In a larger bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes. It’s important for incorporating air, which helps the cake’s texture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully integrated and helps maintain the batter's emulsification.

Mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. The batter might look a bit clumpy at this stage due to the applesauce, but don’t worry — it’ll smooth out once you add the flour mixture.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently, just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher cake.

If you’re using walnuts, fold them in gently. They should be evenly distributed without overworking the batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of spices that capture the essence of chai.
  • Moist and tender texture thanks to applesauce.
  • Quick and easy, making it great for spontaneous baking.
  • Optional walnuts add a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

1 1/2 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 ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
7. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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