Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, nostalgic treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite, look no further than Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe. This cake is a splendid blend of soft applesauce-infused batter, fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and optional touches like walnuts or raisins to add texture and depth. It’s like a homemade hug from the past, perfect for sharing with friends and family any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to baking magic. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role—from the natural sweetness and moisture of the applesauce to the warming spices that make this cake unforgettable.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce: This is the heart of the cake, providing moisture and subtle natural sweetness without any added sugar.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the applesauce and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cake, ensuring a soft yet firm texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise for that perfect fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, inviting flavor that makes the cake irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle earthiness that complements the apple beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional): Offers a subtle spicy kick for those who love extra depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional): Introduces a lovely crunch or chewiness that complements the soft crumb.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze for a glossy finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Ensures smooth consistency in the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a subtle flavor boost to the glaze.
How to Make Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or make cleanup easy by lining it with parchment paper. Preparation ensures the cake will come out effortlessly, keeping every perfect crumb intact.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the applesauce, granulated sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and unified. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well blended. This builds a flavorful, smooth base for your cake’s tender texture.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if you like), and salt. These dry ingredients give the cake its classic spiced warmth and light rise, essential for every slice to be just right.
Step 4: Marry the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Alternate adding the dry mix and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Stir gently until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist—overmixing can make it dense, so go easy!
Step 5: Fold in Your Optional Mix-Ins
This is where you can get creative. Toss in chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch or raisins for bursts of sweetness. Whether you choose one or both, they add delightful texture and flavor nuances.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this cooling time is key for perfect slicing.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Finish
If you want to elevate your Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe a notch higher, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the fully cooled cake for a shiny, sweet finish that brings every ingredient to harmony.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!
Cut into generous squares and serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. Every bite will remind you why this time-tested recipe is a beloved family favorite.
How to Serve Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkling of toasted walnuts or a few cinnamon flakes on top adds a rustic charm and an extra flavor pop. A swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully, balancing the spiced sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee to create a comforting afternoon treat. For brunch, pair it with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a pretty platter for a casual party dessert. Alternatively, turn it into individual trifle servings layered with whipped cream and apples for a stunning twist on Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last frozen for up to three months. When you want a slice of nostalgia, thaw it overnight in the fridge and enjoy almost freshly baked tastes.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly in a toaster oven to revive that soft, tender crumb and bring back the cozy aroma of spices.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can, but since sweetened applesauce adds additional sugar, you might want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly to keep the cake balanced and not overly sweet.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it mimics the tang and acidity of buttermilk perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The cake will be just as delicious!
How long does Grandma’s Applesauce Cake stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh and moist for about three days. Refrigerating can extend freshness but may dry out the cake, so wrapping tightly is essential.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish that enhances the cake’s flavor, but it’s completely optional. The cake itself is wonderfully moist and flavorful without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a lighter dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe passed down through generations, and Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe is proof of that. It’s a comforting, spiced cake that fills your kitchen with warmth and leaves you craving more. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this beloved cake as much as I do—because great food brings great memories to life.
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Grandma’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce with warm spices and a tender crumb. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed plain or topped with a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
Glaze Ingredients (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the applesauce, granulated sugar, and softened butter together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins, if using.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or another non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender and moist crumb.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and finish to the cake.
- Walnuts or raisins can be omitted or substituted with other nuts or dried fruits as preferred.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
