Description
This moist old-fashioned applesauce cake is packed with warm spices, walnuts, and raisins, then topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy nostalgic dessert that tastes like something straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Applesauce Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup applesauce
1 cup chopped walnuts
¾ cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and lightly dust with flour, shaking out any excess.
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In a bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and cloves. Set aside.
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In another bowl beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
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Mix in the applesauce on low speed.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
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Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until creamy.
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Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
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Slice and serve.
Notes
For the best flavor, use unsweetened applesauce and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. The cake tastes even better the next day once the spices settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 MINS
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American