How can I make applesauce cake without a hand mixer?

You can make applesauce cake without a hand mixer by whisking the ingredients by hand. Use a balloon whisk to beat the eggs and sugar vigorously for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This process incorporates enough air to help the cake rise. After that, gently fold in the remaining ingredients as directed by the recipe. This method works well and produces a moist, tender cake.

How do I tell when my applesauce cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again. Avoid overbaking, as that can dry out the cake. The edges may also start to pull away slightly from the pan when fully baked.

What is the best way to store applesauce cake to keep it fresh?

If your applesauce cake is frosted with cream cheese or similar frosting, store it covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture and freshness. The cake will keep well for up to four days. For unfrosted cake, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

Can I prepare applesauce cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, applesauce cake can be baked up to 24 hours in advance. It often tastes better the next day once the flavors meld. Bake it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature if unfrosted. Add frosting just before serving. If already frosted, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Is it possible to freeze applesauce cake for later use?

You can freeze applesauce cake by wrapping it tightly with two layers of plastic wrap or foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the cake to the refrigerator overnight, still wrapped. Once thawed, keep it refrigerated and consume within a few days for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing cream cheese frosting separately as it can separate upon thawing.

Applesauce Cake Recipe with Savory Steak and Shrimp Pairing

Name: applesauce cake recipe
Prep time: PT-486827H38M7S
Cook time: PT-486827H8M7S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 cups unsweetened applesauce; ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans or raisins

Description

🍎 Savor a moist, spiced applesauce cake perfect for pairing with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry.
🍰 This easy-to-make cake features warm spices and creamy frosting for a delightful treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

¾ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

¾ cup vegetable or canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans or raisins

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare the oven and pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal and even baking of your applesauce cake.

2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves for about 30 seconds. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, which helps the cake bake evenly and taste balanced.

3-Third Step: Mix wet ingredients In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium speed until pale and fluffy about 2 minutes. For those without a mixer, vigorous hand beating for about 4 minutes also works well. Then add the unsweetened applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4-Fourth Step: Combine wet and dry mixtures Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredient bowl. Gently fold them together using a spatula until no visible flour streaks remain. Do not overmix; the batter should stay somewhat lumpy for a tender, moist crumb. If using nuts or raisins, fold them in at this stage.

5-Fifth Step: Pour and bake Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the middle rack for about 30 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

6-Sixth Step: Cool and frost Allow the applesauce cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Optionally, add cinnamon and salt for a spiced variation. If the frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading evenly over the cooled cake.

7-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Slice the cake and serve either chilled or at room temperature. This applesauce cake is delightful on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry for a balanced meal.

Notes

🥄 Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and enhance natural flavors.
⏳ Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense or tough texture.
🌰 Add nuts or raisins for added texture and a flavor boost if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour minimum
Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450-580 kcal
Sugar: 44-49 g
Sodium: 226-292 mg
Fat: 22-34 g
Saturated Fat: 8-13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 62-66 g
Fiber: 1-2 g
Protein: 4-5 g
Cholesterol: 54-65 mg

Keywords: applesauce cake, spiced cake, moist cake, cream cheese frosting