Are you craving a warm, comforting cake that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This applesauce spice cake recipe is the perfect answer. It's a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dessert or a special occasion treat. Using applesauce instead of oil adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, making this cake incredibly moist and flavorful. Get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade heaven! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or milk/water)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal. This simple step ensures your cake bakes evenly and prevents sticking.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, and salt. Make sure all the spices are well combined for even distribution in the cake.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. This creates a smooth base for your cake batter.
Bringing it Together:
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Stir in the cooled coffee (or milk/water). The coffee adds a delightful depth of flavor, but milk or water works perfectly well if you prefer.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or mix both for a delicious caramel-like note.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition to this cake. Add ½ cup to the batter along with the coffee.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A dash of cardamom or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist.
- Make it a glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Frosting Fun: This cake is a perfect base for cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a simple whipped cream topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving (assuming 12 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This applesauce spice cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture, warm spices, and subtle sweetness make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe! It’s a wonderful example of how homemade cooking can result in healthy meals and delicious dishes that are surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of best recipes and easy recipes for any occasion.