Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (optional, e.g., raisins)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Applesauce
- Gently fold in the unsweetened applesauce until the batter is well blended. The applesauce will add moisture and flavor to the cake.
7. Optional Add-ins
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits to add a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor.
8. Transfer to Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or slices and serve.
11. Optional Frosting
- Frost the cooled cake with your favorite frosting, such as cream cheese frosting, or drizzle with caramel or maple glaze for added sweetness.
12. Enjoy Your Homemade Applesauce Cake!
- Indulge in the delightful flavors and moist texture of your homemade Applesauce Cake. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
This Applesauce Cake recipe is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings or serve it as is for a simple, yet incredibly satisfying treat. Enjoy!