Description
Homemade applesauce cake brings warmth from Grandma’s kitchen, blending nostalgic spices with sweet, tender crumb. Comfort meets simplicity in this classic dessert you’ll savor slice after delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Additional Cake Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup golden raisins or raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and positioning the rack in the center.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine all cake ingredients, excluding raisins and pecans, using an electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Gradually increase mixer speed to high, continuing to blend until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency, periodically pausing to scrape down the bowl’s sides.
- Gently fold raisins and chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the cake batter into a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 1-2 hours.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, which typically takes 4-6 minutes.
- Remove browned butter from heat and let it cool to room temperature, preventing further browning.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cooled browned butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, blending with an electric mixer.
- Gradually introduce milk, adjusting consistency until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, generously apply the frosting across the entire surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the frosted cake for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize the cake’s texture by swapping unsweetened applesauce with homemade versions for a fresher, more intense apple flavor.
- Enhance moisture by replacing some oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream, creating a denser, richer cake.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crumb.
- Boost nutrition by adding ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter, increasing fiber and omega-3 content without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg