Description
Grandma’s classic applesauce cake delivers nostalgic comfort with warm spices and moist texture. Homemade goodness fills kitchens with irresistible aromas that invite memories and sweet moments with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups white, spelt, or oat flour
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar (unrefined if desired)
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) oil (or additional applesauce for a lighter option)
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white or cider vinegar
Leavening and Spice Ingredients:
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and ready an 8-inch pan with a light coating of grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Create a smooth liquid foundation by vigorously whisking applesauce, water, oil, vanilla extract, and vinegar in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients harmonize completely.
- Gradually introduce dry components – flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and aromatic cinnamon – into the wet mixture, stirring methodically to develop a silky, lump-free batter.
- Enhance the cake’s texture by gently incorporating optional mix-ins like raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut, folding them delicately to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a perfectly level surface that ensures uniform baking.
- Position the pan centrally in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, monitoring closely and testing for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the cake’s center.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest and stabilize at room temperature, letting flavors meld and intensify as it cools completely within the pan.
- For optimal taste experience, consider letting the cake sit overnight, which allows its flavors to develop and deepen, creating an even more complex dessert profile.
- Serve as is for a rustic presentation or embellish with your preferred frosting to elevate the cake’s visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy autumn blanket, with warm spices dancing through every bite.
- Overnight resting deepens the cake’s rich, comforting flavors, transforming a simple dessert into a memorable treat.
- Versatile and forgiving, this recipe welcomes creative additions like nuts or raisins, making it perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg