Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake is a moist and old-fashioned recipe, which is made with applesauce and warm spices. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe for a simple, satisfying dessert, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake Ingredients
A classic, comforting blend of spice, fruit, and nuts.
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup chilled applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
How To Make Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake
A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully simple and flavorful cake.
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Mix the Batter: Beat in the chilled applesauce until well combined. In a separate motion, stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves until they are just incorporated into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before slicing. This cake is best served warm.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly moist applesauce cake.
- Why use chilled applesauce? Adding cold applesauce to the creamed butter and sugar helps keep the butter firm. This allows the batter to trap more air, resulting in a cake with a more tender, delicate crumb.
- Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, chopped pecans are a wonderful substitute for walnuts and are a classic pairing with applesauce and cinnamon.
- How can I enhance the spice flavor? For an even warmer spice profile, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of allspice along with the cinnamon and cloves.
- Can I add a frosting? While this cake is delicious on its own, it would be fantastic with a simple cream cheese frosting, a brown sugar glaze, or just a light dusting of powdered sugar.
What To Serve With Applesauce Cake
Simple accompaniments that elevate this classic comfort dessert.
This homey, spiced cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon or a simple dessert. It’s wonderful served warm with:
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A pat of salted butter that melts into the warm cake
- A hot cup of black coffee or spiced tea
How To Store Applesauce Cake
Keeping your cake fresh and moist.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Thanks to the moisture from the applesauce, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 11 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great cake to make ahead. Its flavor and moistness hold up very well. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it covered at room temperature. Gently rewarm individual slices before serving if you like.
Can I use unsweetened applesauce?
Yes, unsweetened applesauce works perfectly in this recipe and is often preferred as it allows you to control the overall sweetness of the cake. If you only have sweetened applesauce, you might consider slightly reducing the amount of white sugar.
Can I omit the raisins and nuts?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of raisins or nuts, you can leave them out for a simple, plain applesauce spice cake. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Apple Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Peach and Brown Sugar Icebox Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Applesauce Cake Recipe
Description
A classic, old-fashioned applesauce cake that is incredibly moist, full of warm spices, and studded with walnuts and raisins for a comforting, home-baked treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the chilled applesauce.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves until just combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing chilled applesauce helps create a more tender cake crumb.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBe careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake from becoming tough.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis cake is wonderfully moist and keeps well at room temperature for several days.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFeel free to add a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting if desired, but it’s delicious on its own.u003c/liu003e
