Are you craving a comforting, moist cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This applesauce cake recipe with sour cream is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish without hours in the kitchen. This recipe is ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas or a simple yet impressive dessert. Ready to bake? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even baking.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well blended. The wet ingredients should be smooth and creamy.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. If adding nuts, gently fold them in at this stage.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial step to ensure your cake is perfectly baked.
Cooling & Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, add a glaze, or serve it plain.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and sour cream helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
- Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add chocolate chips, raisins, or different spices to customize the flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Protein: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This applesauce cake recipe with sour cream offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade treat. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Whether you're a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!