The Ultimate Applesauce Raisin Cake: A Moist, Flavorful Delight

Applesauce raisin cake is a timeless classic, known for its incredible moistness, warm spices, and comforting flavors. It’s a perfect dessert for fall and winter, but honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. This recipe elevates the traditional cake with a few simple tweaks that result in an exceptionally flavorful and satisfying treat. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring your applesauce raisin cake turns out perfectly every single time. Get ready to bake a cake that your friends and family will rave about!

Why This Applesauce Raisin Cake is Special

There are countless applesauce cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

* **Unmatched Moistness:** Applesauce is the key to the cake’s tender crumb. We’ll also use oil for extra moisture, ensuring it stays soft for days.
* **Bold Flavor:** A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting spice profile. We’ll also add a hint of molasses for depth and complexity.
* **Perfect Texture:** The raisins plump up beautifully during baking, adding bursts of sweetness and chewy texture. We’ll also toast the nuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner bakers. No fancy equipment or techniques are required.
* **Adaptable:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add different spices, nuts, or even a cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Cake:**

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g). Provides structure to the cake. Make sure to measure it accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Provides additional lift and a lighter texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 1/2 teaspoons. Adds warmth and spice.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/2 teaspoon. Complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Unsweetened Applesauce:** 1 1/2 cups (360g). The star ingredient, providing moisture and flavor. Use good quality applesauce for best results.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 3/4 cups (350g). Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tenderness.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
* **Molasses:** 2 tablespoons. Adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness. Blackstrap molasses will result in a stronger flavor, while light molasses will be more subtle.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors.
* **Raisins:** 1 cup (150g). Adds sweetness and chewiness. You can use regular raisins or golden raisins.
* **Chopped Walnuts or Pecans:** 1/2 cup (50g). Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor.

**Optional Glaze:**

* **Powdered Sugar:** 1 cup (120g). Forms the base of the glaze.
* **Milk or Apple Cider:** 2-3 tablespoons. Thins the glaze to the desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds flavor to the glaze.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Medium Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer):** For creaming together the wet ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding in the raisins and nuts.
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** The ideal size for this cake. You can also use two 9-inch round cake pans.
* **Parchment Paper:** For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect applesauce raisin cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method.

**Step 2: Toast the Nuts (Optional)**

* If using nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Alternatively, toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool slightly before chopping.

**Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.

**Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients**

* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar, oil, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.

**Step 6: Fold in the Raisins and Nuts**

* Gently fold in the raisins and toasted nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

**Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

**Step 8: Cool the Cake**

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, you can simply lift the cake out of the pan using the overhang.

**Step 9: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)**

* While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or apple cider if needed to reach the desired consistency.

**Step 10: Glaze the Cake (Optional)**

* Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can also spread the glaze evenly over the cake with a knife or spatula.

**Step 11: Slice and Serve**

* Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy it as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Applesauce Raisin Cake

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients helps the cake batter come together more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Adding too much flour can result in a dry cake. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Check for Doneness with a Toothpick:** Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Glazing:** Glazing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and run off.
* **Add Other Spices:** Experiment with other spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
* **Substitute Other Fruits:** Try adding chopped apples, dried cranberries, or chopped dates instead of raisins.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

Variations on the Recipe

This applesauce raisin cake recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Applesauce Spice Cake:** Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a spicier cake. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice.
* **Apple Cranberry Cake:** Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins for a tart and festive twist. You can also add chopped apples to the batter.
* **Applesauce Walnut Cake:** Add more walnuts (or pecans) to the batter for a nuttier flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cake before baking.
* **Caramel Applesauce Cake:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake after it has cooled. You can also add chopped caramel candies to the batter.
* **Cream Cheese Frosted Applesauce Cake:** Instead of a simple glaze, frost the cake with a cream cheese frosting. This adds a tangy and creamy element to the cake.

* **For Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Serving Suggestions

Applesauce raisin cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that complements the warm spices of the cake.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a light and airy texture to the cake.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a decadent treat.
* **Apple Butter:** Spread apple butter on a slice of cake for an extra dose of apple flavor.
* **Hot Coffee or Tea:** Perfect for enjoying with a slice of cake on a chilly day.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Applesauce Nutrition Information

Applesauce is a healthy ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to baked goods. It’s also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.

A 1/2 cup serving of unsweetened applesauce contains:

* Calories: 50
* Fiber: 2 grams
* Sugar: 10 grams
* Vitamin C: 2% of the Daily Value

Final Thoughts

This applesauce raisin cake recipe is a winner. The moistness, the spices, and the chewy raisins all combine to create a truly irresistible treat. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special holiday gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

**Enjoy baking and creating sweet memories!**