Description
Olivia Walton’s applesauce cake brings warmth from her family kitchen to your table, blending classic comfort with nostalgic flavors. Mountain home baking meets pure simplicity in this cherished Walton family recipe that connects generations through one delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
Dried Fruits and Nuts:
- 2 cups light raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar
- Frosting of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13 cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Sift together all dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl, creating a uniform mixture.
- Separate a small portion of the flour mixture and coat the chopped walnuts and raisins, preventing them from sinking during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until smooth and light, gradually incorporating sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and well-blended.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, beating vigorously to ensure complete integration and a smooth consistency.
- Gradually alternate adding the prepared flour mixture and applesauce into the butter mixture, stirring gently to maintain a uniform batter.
- Carefully fold the flour-coated walnuts and raisins into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps set the structure.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or apply frosting before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Dust flour on nuts and raisins to prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to ensure a light, fluffy texture and even sugar distribution.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better cake rise.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg