Grandma’s applesauce cake is an heirloom recipe that has been passed through the generations. The cake has a really moist crumb and plenty of spice. You can make it with or without the raisins and walnuts, depending on your preferences. This is certain to become a favorite fall dessert in your family as well.
This soft and super moist cinnamon applesauce cake is made from simple ingredients and features a delicious apple flavor your whole family will love. So, if you are looking for a classic dessert to make this fall, grandma’s applesauce cake is just the thing.
Who can resist a simple, flavorful, homestyle cake just like Grandma made? This cake is just that!
In fact, the recipe came from my husband’s grandma’s recipe box along with her oatmeal cake recipe. I was introduced to it at her birthday several years ago, so I thought I would make on in honor of her 95th birthday this year.
Her recipe card for the cake is tattered and splotched. That is always the sign of a good recipe.
It not only means that it is old, but it also means that it has been used quite a lot over the years. In fact, the original recipe called for an 8×12-inch pan, which is not a size you see much anymore.
So, she adapted it to a 9×13-inch pan and reduced the baking time a little bit to accommodate the larger pan. Don’t worry. It still has all of that old-fashioned flavor.
My father-in-law thinks it is great on its own. He’s not wrong. It would be stunning with just a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Grandma and I agreed that it is always nice to have an excuse to make some cream cheese frosting, though. You could even use a brown sugar caramel frosting or a brown sugar cream cheese frosting if you would like to play up those warm tones.
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Or go full apple and serve it with a scoop of apple butter ice cream. There are no limits when it comes to great desserts!
No matter how you decide to top it, I think you should go ahead and make this cake. It is perfect for fall!
How to Store Applesauce Spice Cake
The unfrosted cake can be stored at room temperature for several days. However, if you use cream cheese frosting, you will want to store the covered cake in the refrigerator.
This cake is great cold and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge. However, you can bring to room temperature before serving if you prefer.
Freezing the Cake
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake. Just wrap it tightly or put in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to serve the cake, just defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Then frost before serving.
Grandma’s Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter or shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup chopped raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large mixer bowl, cream together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.½ cup butter, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Add egg and applesauce, beating until combined. It is okay if the mixture looks a bit broken at this point.1 large egg, 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and spices.2½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon allspice
- In a measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the hot water.2 teaspoons baking soda, ½ cup boiling water
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl with the applesauce mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in half of the baking soda water mixture.
- Mix in the remaining dry ingredients followed by the last of the water mixture.
- Fold in the raisins and/or walnuts if using.1 cup chopped raisins, ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center bounces back when touched with a finger.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or frosting.
Notes
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Could this be made in 2 loaf pans at the same temperature?
I don’t see why not. You would probably need to add a couple of minutes to the bake time as they would be slightly thicker, but it shouldn’t be too far off.
This cake is easy to make and tastes amazing.
I am so happy that you liked it!
I plan to make this after Thanksgiving or soon after. I sounds so YUMMY !!!
I hope you love it!