Are you craving a comforting, moist cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This German Applesauce Cake is a beloved classic for a reason. Its tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and warm spices make it the perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. This recipe is a staple in homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that's surprisingly quick to prepare – perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special. This easy recipe delivers healthy meals without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This simple step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a light and airy cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a hand mixer or even do it by hand if you’re feeling energetic!
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Bake to Perfection:
- 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. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from sticking and allows it to cool evenly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a mix of both.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the batter before baking.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom or ginger.
- Make it fruity: Fold in ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples into the batter.
- Glaze it: Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This German Applesauce Cake is a truly delightful dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things relatively healthy. It’s a fantastic example of how delicious and easy food recipes can be, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!