Description
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake is a moist, flavorful baked treat combining the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This classic cake is easy to prepare and can be enhanced with optional walnuts or raisins for added texture. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake 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 to keep the cake tender.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or raisins, if using, to add texture and flavor.
- 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 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 until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve as is, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy your homemade Grandma’s Applesauce Cake!
Notes
- You can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk if needed.
- Adding walnuts or raisins is optional but adds a wonderful texture and flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- The glaze is optional but provides a sweet finishing touch.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
