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Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 9 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
  • ½ cup raisins optional

Instructions

Make the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg until combined. Add the applesauce and vanilla and mix until smooth.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts and raisins if using.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Room-temp butter: Set butter out 30 minutes before baking for proper creaming.
  • Applesauce consistency: Use thick, unsweetened applesauce. If yours is watery, reduce to 1 ¼ cups.
  • No frosting needed: A dusting of powdered sugar is all this cake needs. Add it just before serving so it doesn't dissolve.
  • Storage: Room temperature for 3 days, refrigerator for 5 days, or freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Optional frosting: Cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or brown butter frosting all work beautifully.