There’s something about Applesauce Cake that takes us back to simpler times. This classic dessert, often associated with the comfort of grandma’s kitchen, has a storied history that’s intertwined with the evolution of American baking. The cake, made with applesauce as a key ingredient, dates back to colonial times when apples were abundant and the sauce made from them was a common sweetener. The addition of spices like cinnamon and cloves ties it to the traditional spice cakes of Europe, while the inclusion of ingredients like raisins and nuts showcases the resourcefulness of early American cooks. Today, the Applesauce Cake has become a beloved dessert across the country, adored for its moist, rich texture and comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is quite easy to make. The recipe calls for basic ingredients, and the process is straightforward. What sets this cake apart is the use of applesauce, which gives it an incredibly moist texture and subtly sweet, apple-forward flavor. It’s a cake that’s perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to quiet afternoons with a cup of tea. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of making your own Applesauce Cake, from gathering your ingredients to pulling a beautiful, aromatic cake out of the oven. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. white sugar
- 2 c. brown sugar
- 1 stick margarine
- 1/2 c. oil
- 2 c. applesauce
- 2 tsp. soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. ground raisins
- 1/2 c. walnuts or pecans
- 2 1/2 c. flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
Baking Instructions
- Beat the sugars (white and brown) and oil together. Add eggs and beat again. Add applesauce, raisins, salt and soda, then flour. Stir in walnuts or pecans.
- Bake in large flat pan, 13 x 18-inches, at 350°.
Calorie: 300
Total cooking time:60 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Sweet Symphony of Applesauce Cake
Hello there, fellow foodies! I’ve got a sweet tale for you today, a story of love, sugar, and a whole lot of applesauce. Grab your aprons, your mixing bowls, and let’s dive into the culinary saga of the Applesauce Cake.
The Stirring of Sugars
It all starts with a rendezvous between 1/2 c. of white sugar and 2 c. of brown sugar, and let me tell you, this duo knows how to sweet-talk. Our journey begins on a sunny Sunday afternoon, standing in the kitchen, armed with a whisk, a bowl, and a sense of wild determination. I tossed the sugars together with 1/2 c. of oil, feeling a bit like a mad scientist, but instead of creating a monster, I was making a dessert. And what a dessert it was going to be!
The Crack of Dawn (and Eggs)
After the sugars and oil had a good mix, it was time to introduce 2 eggs to the party. Now, I don’t know about you, but the act of cracking eggs always feels oddly satisfying to me. It’s like a little victory every time I manage not to get any shell into the mix. I added the eggs and beat again, making sure to give my arms a good workout. Who needs the gym when you’ve got baking, right?
The Applesauce Addition
Next up in our ingredient list is the star of our show – the applesauce. 2 cups, to be precise. I added it to the mix, along with 1 c. of ground raisins, 1/2 tsp. of salt, and 2 tsp. of soda. The concoction started to take on a life of its own, looking a bit like a sweet, chunky soup. But fear not, fellow bakers, this is where the magic happens.
The Flour Power
I then added 2 1/2 cups of flour to our mixture. It’s always a careful balance, isn’t it? Add too little, and it’s a liquid mess. Add too much, and you’ve crafted a doughy sculpture. We’re aiming for Goldilocks here – just right. The flour started to bind everything together, and our cake was starting to look like a cake. Success!
The Nutty Conclusion
Now, for the grand finale. 1/2 c. of walnuts or pecans – your choice, really. It’s like picking your favorite child, isn’t it? I decided to go with walnuts, feeling the urge to add a little crunch to this sweet symphony. After stirring in the nuts, I poured the batter into a large flat pan, 13 x 18 inches, and slid it into the oven preheated at 350°.
The Spices of Life
Oh, did I forget to mention the spices? Silly me. 1 tsp. of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. of cloves were added along the way, giving our cake a bit of a spicy kick. It’s like adding a little mischief to your dessert, and who doesn’t love that?
The Sweet Triumph
After a good bake, the applesauce cake emerged victorious from the oven, a sweet, spicy, and nutty wonder. As I cut into it, the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and sweet apples filled the kitchen, making my heart (and stomach) flutter with joy.
And that, my dear friends, is the tale of the Applesauce Cake. It’s a story of love, laughter, and a dash of culinary chaos. So, here’s to sugar, spice, and everything nice. Happy baking!
