Craving a cozy, flavorful treat? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you – spiced applesauce cake. This delightful dessert combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweet tanginess of applesauce, creating a moist and aromatic cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Originating from traditional American baking, spiced applesauce cake recipes have been cherished for generations, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting slice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of warm spices and fresh apples as you whip up this easy-to-make yet undeniably delicious spiced applesauce cake.
Ingredients
To make this delightful spiced applesauce cake, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
Wet Ingredients and Others:
- 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
In this section, I will guide you through the process of making this delightful spiced applesauce cake. Below, you will find detailed steps on browning butter for the frosting, creating the applesauce layer cake, and making the applesauce cake itself.
How to Brown Butter for the Frosting
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma.
- Remove the pan from heat and pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl, leaving any burnt sediment behind.
- Allow the browned butter to cool to room temperature before using it in your frosting recipe.
How to Make an Applesauce Layer Cake
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature as per the recipe instructions.
- Prepare your cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Start by preheating your oven according to the recipe instructions.
- Grease and flour a baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Combine the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients – applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool before serving with your choice of garnish or accompaniment.
Storage and Freezing
As someone who loves to make spiced applesauce cake in advance or in batches, I know how important it is to store and freeze it correctly to maintain its freshness and flavors over time.
Storing Spiced Applesauce Cake
After baking your delicious spiced applesauce cake, allow it to cool completely before storing it. You can store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Room Temperature Storage
If you plan to consume the cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Find a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain the cake’s moisture and taste.
Refrigeration
For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator. Ensure it is well-covered to avoid absorbing any odors and drying out. When ready to serve, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Freezing Spiced Applesauce Cake
If you want to freeze spiced applesauce cake for later enjoyment, follow these simple steps to preserve its quality:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it is fully covered to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to further protect it from absorbing other flavors in the freezer.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Spiced applesauce cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising its taste.
Thawing Frozen Cake
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen spiced applesauce cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. Allowing the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight will help maintain its moisture and prevent any drastic temperature changes that could affect its texture.
By following these simple storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of spiced applesauce cake anytime, whether you bake it fresh or thaw it from the freezer.
Nutrition Facts
As I delve into the nutritional aspects of this delightful spiced applesauce cake, I want to highlight the balance of flavors and ingredients that contribute to its overall health profile. Let’s break down the key components that make up the nutrition facts of this scrumptious treat.
Calories and Serving Size
For this spiced applesauce cake, each serving approximately contains 280-300 calories based on a standard slice size. This calorie count is ideal for a sweet indulgence without overwhelming your daily intake.
Macronutrients
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing around 35-40 grams per serving. The healthy carbs come from wholesome ingredients like applesauce and flour, offering a satisfying energy boost.
Micronutrients
In terms of micronutrients, this cake offers essential minerals such as iron and calcium in moderate amounts. These minerals play vital roles in various body functions, adding a nutritious touch to your dessert.
Fat Content
With a modest fat content of 12-15 grams per serving, this spiced applesauce cake strikes a perfect balance between richness and health-conscious choices.
Sugar and Fiber
Each serving of this cake contains about 20-25 grams of sugar, primarily from natural sources like applesauce. The fiber content, averaging 2-3 grams per serving, contributes to a wholesome eating experience.
Allergen Information
This spiced applesauce cake may contain allergens such as eggs, gluten, and nuts based on the recipe variations or modifications. It’s important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies when enjoying this delectable dessert.
More Apple Desserts
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
I love experimenting with different frostings to elevate my apple desserts. One of my favorites is the decadent Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This creamy and flavorful frosting perfectly complements the warm spices in the spiced applesauce cake. It adds a delightful touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess that takes the cake to the next level.
To make this luscious frosting, start by combining softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The aromatic cinnamon will infuse the frosting with a cozy, autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple cake.
Spread a generous amount of the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting between the cake layers and on top for a visually appealing finish. The creamy texture and hint of spice will delight your taste buds with each bite. This frosting is a must-try for anyone looking to enhance the flavors of their apple desserts.
Conclusion
Creating spiced applesauce cake is a delightful culinary journey that balances warmth, nostalgia, and flavor in each bite. From browning butter to crafting layers with precision, this recipe offers a fusion of aromas and textures that elevate any occasion. The nutritional profile of this cake showcases a harmonious blend of essential nutrients, making it a wholesome treat for those mindful of their dietary intake. By exploring variations to accommodate various dietary needs, such as allergies or sensitivities, this recipe ensures inclusivity without compromising on taste. Elevate your apple desserts with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, adding a creamy and tangy note that harmonizes with the cake’s spices, culminating in a truly satisfying culinary experience.