Old fashioned applesauce cake

Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Old fashioned applesauce cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is made with simple ingredients like applesauce, raisins, and nuts, making it a delicious treat that everyone will love.

History

The recipe for applesauce cake dates back to the early 20th century when applesauce was a popular ingredient in baking. This cake was a favorite during the Great Depression when ingredients like eggs and butter were scarce. The applesauce not only adds moisture to the cake but also gives it a delicious apple flavor.

Ingredients

2.5 cups cake flour, sifted
1.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.5 tsp ground allspice
0.5 cup vegetable shortening
1.75 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1.5 cups applesauce
0.5 cup water
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts, chopped
confectioners' sugar

How to prepare

1. Sift the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices together into a bowl and set aside.
2. Cream the shortening and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer set on medium speed.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the applesauce and water, blending well with the mixer set on low speed.
5. Stir in the raisins and nuts.
6. Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inches baking pan.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes or until a cake tester or wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack until it is cold to the touch.
9. Dust the cake with confectioners' sugar.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Creaming the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to a tender cake.

- Be sure to cool the cake completely before dusting with confectioners' sugar to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Old fashioned applesauce cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy is an important technique for creating a tender cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the vegetable shortening with butter for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Old fashioned applesauce cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with confectioners' sugar and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Old fashioned applesauce cake pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old fashioned applesauce cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old fashioned applesauce cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Old fashioned applesauce cake contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Old fashioned applesauce cake contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Old fashioned applesauce cake is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C from the applesauce and raisins.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Old fashioned applesauce cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Old fashioned applesauce cake is a timeless dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful crumb, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for old fashioned applesauce cake. It was a warm summer day, and I had been visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little kitchen. As we sat sipping tea and chatting about our favorite recipes, Margaret suddenly pulled out a yellowed piece of paper from one of her cookbooks.

"Have you ever tried making this applesauce cake, dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement. I peered over her shoulder to read the faded handwriting on the recipe card. The ingredients were simple - flour, sugar, spices, and of course, a generous amount of applesauce. It seemed like the perfect dessert to bake for my family.

Margaret explained that she had received the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me stories of how her grandmother used to bake the cake for special occasions, filling the house with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I could almost imagine myself standing in that same kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of loved ones.

Inspired by Margaret's tales, I decided to give the recipe a try. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully. Mixing the butter and sugar together, adding the flour and spices, and finally folding in the applesauce. The batter came together beautifully, thick and fragrant with the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon.

As the cake baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The house filled with the tantalizing scent of warm spices, and I knew that something special was about to emerge from that hot oven. When the timer finally chimed, I rushed to pull the cake out, eagerly slicing into it to reveal a moist, tender crumb flecked with chunks of apple.

I brought a slice to Margaret, who took a bite and closed her eyes in delight. "This tastes just like my grandmother used to make," she whispered, a smile playing on her lips. I felt a swell of pride at having recreated a beloved family recipe, a link to the past that brought joy to the present.

From that day on, old fashioned applesauce cake became a staple in my kitchen. I baked it for birthdays, holidays, and lazy Sunday afternoons when a slice of cake and a cup of tea were all I needed to feel content. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this timeless dessert.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of walnuts here, a dollop of whipped cream there. But the heart of the cake remains the same - a rich, moist crumb bursting with the sweet tang of applesauce and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.

As I look back on that summer day in Margaret's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of baking and sharing a delicious recipe. The memory of that first bite of old fashioned applesauce cake will always stay with me, a reminder of the joy that comes from connecting with the past through food. And whenever I bake this cake, I feel a sense of closeness to all the women who came before me, each one adding their own touch to this timeless recipe.