There is something irresistibly comforting about Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe, a classic treat that brings cozy fall flavors and moist texture together in one slice. This old-fashioned spiced cake is packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the applesauce adds natural sweetness and tenderness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to enjoy a nostalgic slice yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and rich flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an important role in achieving the perfect applesauce cake. From the fragrant spices to the tender crumb created by applesauce, every component comes together to make something truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and softness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: A leavening agent that helps your cake rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for that cake fluffiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, sweet-spicy aroma essential for that classic fall vibe.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a deep, slightly pungent spice to complement the cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings an earthy sweetness that rounds out the spice blend.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Makes the cake rich and tender with a buttery finish.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
- 1 cup raisins: Provide bursts of chewy sweetness and depth of flavor throughout.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and a lovely nutty contrast to the soft crumb.
How to Make Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake will come out clean and maintain its perfect shape when baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor and texture throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter for a tender crumb and sweet base.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Applesauce
Beat the egg into your creamed butter and sugar until everything is fully combined. Then stir in the unsweetened applesauce, which helps keep the cake moist and naturally sweet without adding any extra fat.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly okay.
Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Walnuts
Gently fold in the raisins and walnuts (if using) to add texture and bursts of flavor that complement the warm spices and apples.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This marks the sweet moment when your Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe is perfectly baked and ready for you to enjoy.
How to Serve Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This applesauce cake shines with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of cream cheese frosting for a creamy, tangy contrast. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or a few extra raisins on top also make it visually inviting and add a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee elevates the cozy flavors and creates a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at gatherings. Alternatively, layer slices with fresh fruit and yogurt for a trifle-inspired treat that celebrates fall in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration can extend freshness up to a week, but bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
Freeze leftover applesauce cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the moist texture and enhances the fragrant spices, making it just as perfect as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
Using sweetened applesauce will make your cake sweeter, so you may want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly to keep the balance right.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or similar to help maintain texture.
Can I omit the nuts in Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and feel free to leave them out if you have allergies or just prefer a softer, less crunchy texture.
What can I use instead of raisins?
Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped dried apricots make excellent alternatives, adding their own unique flavor twists to the cake.
Why does my cake sometimes turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and lead to a denser cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm slice of nostalgia, Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe is your new go-to. With its blend of cozy spices, moist texture, and simple ingredients, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big on comfort and flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Olivia Walton’s Applesauce Cake is a moist and spiced vintage dessert featuring warm autumn flavors from cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This old-fashioned American cake combines the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce with raisins and walnuts, baked to tender perfection in a 9×13-inch pan.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
Add-ins
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until fully combined and aromatic.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add egg and applesauce: Beat the large egg into the creamed mixture until well combined, then stir in the unsweetened applesauce thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until all the flour mixture is incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in raisins and walnuts: Stir in the raisins and walnuts if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan before slicing. Serve plain or dust with powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting if desired.
Notes
- This cake is delightful on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of cream cheese frosting.
- For a moister cake, use chunky applesauce or add ¼ cup of oil to the batter.
- The flavors deepen after a day, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.
