Description
This moist and flavorful Applesauce Cake is a delightful treat that combines warm spices, tender applesauce, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, it features a luscious glaze that adds a sweet finish, making it an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until evenly combined. This ensures the spices are well distributed throughout the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps to aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and create a smooth texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, contributing moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then gently fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar or substitute milk with cream for a richer texture.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
