If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than Apple Sauce Spice Cake. This delightful treat is not only warm and comforting but also brimming with the delightful flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples. Thanks to the apple sauce, this cake is incredibly moist, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while it bakes. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain, topped with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream, or drizzled with frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends, and best of all—it’s a breeze to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Sauce Spice Cake is a favorite for many reasons. Its simplicity means that even novice bakers can create a delicious masterpiece. The apple sauce not only helps keep the cake decidedly moist; it also lends a touch of sweetness that combines beautifully with the warm spices. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, enjoying a cozy autumn afternoon, or simply need a quick dessert, this recipe is perfect. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make use of any leftover apple sauce you might have hanging around!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until thoroughly blended. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition to incorporate everything smoothly.
4. Add the apple sauce and vanilla: Gently beat in the apple sauce and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, stirring just until they are combined. Be sure to avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. If you’d like a little texture, fold in the optional chopped walnuts or raisins at this stage.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes!
7. Cool and serve: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This Apple Sauce Spice Cake is delectable on its own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, try topping it off with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
• Storage: To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for long-term storage; it will stay good for up to 3 months.

Helpful Notes

• Looking to add a crunch? Consider mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
• If you’re expecting a crowd and want a larger cake, it’s simple to double the recipe!
• For those who love spices, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon or nutmeg to personalize the flavor to your liking.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened apple sauce?
Absolutely! You can opt for sweetened apple sauce; just keep in mind that you may want to cut back a bit on the sugar in the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to ensure the cake has the right texture.

3. How can I make the cake more moist?
The apple sauce is great for moisture, but for an even richer texture, consider adding a tablespoon of oil or an extra ¼ cup of apple sauce.

4. Can I add a glaze to this cake?
Definitely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a touch of milk would complement the cake beautifully. For more richness, try a caramel glaze for that extra sweetness.

5. How do I store leftover cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or keep it in the refrigerator for about a week.