Introduction
This classic applesauce cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of spices with the sweetness of applesauce and creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
– ½ cup milk
– 1 cup raisins
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups cinnamon applesauce
– 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 12 servings
This applesauce cake is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and texture from the spices, raisins, and walnuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Enjoy this treat at gatherings or as a cozy dessert at home.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Baking Pan
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
Soak the Raisins
2. In a small bowl, combine the milk and raisins; let them sit while preparing the rest of the cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Beat Butter and Sugars
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Incorporate Applesauce
7. Stir in the cinnamon applesauce until the batter is smooth.
Add Raisins and Walnuts
8. Fold in the milk-soaked raisins and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
Pour Batter and Bake
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
11. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until mostly incorporated.
Add Remaining Ingredients
13. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt; mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cake
14. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset or rubber spatula.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients
– Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Storage Instructions
– Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Serving Suggestion
– This cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Variations
– Feel free to substitute the walnuts for pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
Cook techniques
Soaking Raisins
To enhance the flavor and texture, soak the raisins in milk. This plumps them up and prevents them from sinking in the cake batter.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of baking powder, baking soda, and spices throughout the cake batter.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help the cake rise and maintain a light texture.
Incorporating Eggs
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to create an emulsion, which helps add moisture and structure to the cake.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
Folding in Ingredients
Gently fold in the cinnamon applesauce, raisins, and walnuts using a spatula. This technique helps maintain the batter’s aeration.
Baking the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick comes out clean—this indicates the cake is fully cooked.
Cooling Before Frosting
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar. This achieves a creamy and spreadable frosting consistency.
Evenly Spreading Frosting
Once the cake has cooled, use an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting over the top, creating a smooth finish.
FAQ
Can I use another type of fruit instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can substitute with other fruit purees like pumpkin or mashed bananas, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have raisins?
You can replace raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates to maintain sweetness and texture.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
What is the best way to store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze slices for up to three months.
Can I prepare the cake batter in advance?
It is recommended to bake the cake immediately after preparing the batter for the best rise; however, you can refrigerate the batter for a short time before baking.
Conclusion
This classic applesauce cake is a delightful treat, filled with warm spices and complemented by a creamy cinnamon frosting. The combination of moist cake, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful dessert for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spiced Carrot Cake
Combine grated carrots with the same spices from the applesauce cake for a moist and flavorful carrot cake. Add crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and use a cream cheese frosting similar to the one in this recipe.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Use ripe bananas and chocolate chips instead of applesauce and raisins for a delicious twist. This combination results in a rich and moist banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Incorporate canned pineapple rings into the base of your cake batter, topped with a brown sugar and butter mixture. This creates a beautiful caramelized layer that pairs well with a vanilla frosting.
Walnut and Date Cake
Substitute dates for raisins and add in chopped walnuts for added texture. The natural sweetness of the dates complements the spices wonderfully.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Transform the cake into muffins by using the same batter. Add diced apples to enhance the flavor and top with a streusel for a crunchy topping.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Swirl a mixture of cinnamon and sugar into the batter before baking. Top with a cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll flavor in cake form.
