Applesauce Cake
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons powdered unsweetened chocolate (use less if you wish or leave it out entirely for more of a spice cake)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon mace
20 ounces unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raisins
This is our familys favorite cake -- we found the recipe on a box of raisins, I think, in the 1950s. It used to call for 1/2 cup of oil, but by increasing the applesauce it no longer needs it.
Mix dry ingredients together, then add the applesauce and stir. Bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of pan you use. (More for smaller, deeper pans, less for 9 x 13 pans.) Its done when a toothpick can be inserted and pulled out clean.
The cake is so rich I don't put frosting on it; my mother used to sprinkle powdered vegan sugar on top to give it a nice look.
SO HOW'D IT GO?
I love that applesauce is used in place of oil for this cake. The cake turned out very moist. I will definitely use this recipe again, though I will be modifying it. Using the amount of ground cloves the recipe called for made the cake taste like cloves, and not a whole lot else. And that's with me doubling the amount of cinnamon called for. Next time I will use just a pinch of cloves and at least triple the amount of cinnamon, as that's my preferred spice. I left out the cocoa powder and the raisins. This recipe is a solid base for many fun spice cakes.
My mom made this cake this past weekend and I could not BELIEVE how awesome it was! If you follow the recipe exactly how it is stated -- no eggs, no oil, just use the applesauce -- it will turn out perfect. However, mom did not use the cocoa powder, but she did bake in a bundt pan. She also used raw sugar and substitued nutmeg for the mace. I have never had such a moist cake. Hope you enjoy!
mmmm mmmm. Easy and delicious! I used whole wheat pastry flour, and beat the sugar and applesauce together before adding mixed dry ingredients. 2 greased and floured round cake pans were done in about 30 minutes and cake was super moist (sprinkled powdered sugar dissolved). Was really surprised how well this turned out and non-veggies said it was delicious. Even though it's sweet and tasty, some wanted frosting so I'll probably try a tofutti cream cheese and apple butter frosting for next time. Rose up to twice the size, and everyone commented on how moist and yummy. Definitely opened my mind on ingredients needed for baking.
Thanks for a wonderful easy recipe! Give this a try!
My knife came out clean after I baked it for 35 minutes. Maybe my oven is just a tad wonky in a good way.
I like it a lot. Nicely flavored and completely fat free!