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
Scale
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
